Police Reviewing Rapper’s Comments at Glastonbury After On-Stage Chant

Police are reviewing footage from this year’s Glastonbury Festival following controversial remarks made during a live performance by punk duo Bob Vylan. During their set on Friday, the artists led chants that included the phrase “death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The moment, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has prompted public concern and official attention.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are assessing the footage to understand the full context and determine whether any criminal offences may have taken place. No arrests have been made, and the matter remains under review. Officers stressed that this is part of a routine process when potentially inflammatory content is reported at large-scale public events.

The comments quickly drew national attention. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the language as “appalling,” while acknowledging that freedom of speech has its limits when it crosses into hate or incitement. The Israeli embassy also criticized the chant, calling it deeply troubling and urging festival organizers to take a clear stance against such rhetoric.

Bob Vylan, known for their politically charged music, has not responded publicly to the criticism. Glastonbury organisers have yet to issue an official statement, though the incident is likely to spark broader discussion around festival responsibilities and the boundaries of protest in performance art.

The situation comes at a time of heightened global sensitivities, particularly around the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has resonated with audiences and artists across the UK. While protest and political expression are longstanding features of Glastonbury’s cultural identity, the recent incident has raised questions about how far that space should stretch, especially when language used on stage may carry wider implications.

Police say they are taking all reports seriously and will consider both the content and the context in their review. For now, the focus remains on understanding what was said, how it was received, and whether any further action is required.