The British music festival Glastonbury found itself at the center of controversy following performances by the bands Bob Vylan and Kneecap. One of the members of the punk duo, Bob Vylan, began shouting “Free Palestine” from the stage and then called on the audience to chant “Death to the IDF,” directed against the Israeli army. At that moment, the words “The UN calls it genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.'”
The hip-hop group Kneecap also expressed support for the Palestinians, calling for action outside the courthouse, but soon added: “No violence — only love and solidarity with Palestine.”
The Israeli Embassy in London condemned the artists’ behavior, calling it “provocative incitement to hatred” and “encouragement of radicalism.”
The festival organizers took the same position, stating that Bob Vylan’s remarks were contrary to Glastonbury’s core principles and ethical standards. The BBC, which broadcast the performance live, said that the recording would not be available on the iPlayer platform and would not be rebroadcast.