British punk duo Bob Vylan are taking legal action against the BBC following the controversy that erupted after their Glastonbury performance in June 2025. The band, consisting of drummer Wade Laurence George and Pascal Robinson-Foster, led the crowd on the West Holts Stage in chants of 'death, death to the IDF.'
BBC Condemns Performance
Jewish groups criticized the BBC for livestreaming the performance, prompting the broadcaster to issue a statement. The BBC said that although the Ipswich act was initially judged suitable for livestreaming, this was 'clearly not the case.' The corporation also apologized for the duo's 'offensive and deplorable behaviour.'
Band Announces Legal Action
On their official Instagram page on Friday, Bob Vylan announced they were launching legal action against the public broadcaster for 'placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit.' Their post read: 'We have decided to take legal action against the BBC. In the immediate aftermath of our performance at Glastonbury 2025, the BBC wasted no time in placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit.'
The band added: 'As a corporation that receives the majority of its funding from the public, it has disappointingly continued to prove how little it represents the interests of the people and our access to unbiased news and information.' They stated they had 'no choice but to take on this fight' and concluded with 'free Palestine and justice for the Filton 25,' referring to pro-Palestinian activists imprisoned after a demonstration at an Israeli weapons factory near Bristol.
BBC Declines Comment
The BBC declined to comment on the Bob Vylan post. At Glastonbury, the duo performed ahead of Kneecap, the Belfast hip-hop trio, whose members were also investigated by police for on-stage comments.
No Regret from Frontman
Frontman Robinson-Foster told the 'Louis Theroux Podcast' later in 2025 that he was 'not regretful' of the chant and would 'do it again tomorrow.' Although Avon and Somerset Police opened a criminal investigation into the chanting, no further action was taken.
Fallout from Controversy
In the wake of the Glastonbury controversy, the band was dropped from several events, including Radar festival, a show in Germany, and a tour of the US.
