The BBC had originally deemed a number of performances at Glastonbury to be ‘ high risk ‘ – yet still went ahead and broadcast it on screens and on iPlayer to millions
Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury Festival had been deemed “high risk” by top dogs at the BBC. However, the publicly funded corporation still went ahead and broadcast the set to millions across the country and online.
Now, the BBC have said in a new statement that the duo had previously been deemed to be “suitable for livestreaming” but with “appropriate mitigations”, although this was “clearly not the case”. Since last Sunday, the BBC has come under scrutiny following the performance, which saw their frontman, Pascal Robinson-Foster, but goes by the name Bobby Vylan, chant: “Death to the IDF” and “Free Palestine”.
The group performed on the West Holts Stage at Worthy Farm, with their set being live-streamed as they performed ahead of Kneecap’s set. The BBC have since said they regret not stepping in to halt its broadcast sooner but told “a small number of staff” to step back from their daily duties on music and live events.
Meanwhile, Director General Tim Davie, who attended the festival, issued an apology. In a statement, the corporation said: “We fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan’s live appearance at Glastonbury on the BBC.
” We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.
“It is clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan’s appearance. We think it’s important to set out some of the detail around the streaming of this performance. Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury.
” Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations. “They added:” Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.
“During the performance, the live stream was monitored in line with the agreed compliance protocols and a number of issues were escalated. Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed. This was an error.
” The Director-General was subsequently made aware of what had happened and instructed the team that none of the performance should feature in further coverage. The team prioritised stopping the performance from featuring on demand. This meant that no downloads of Bob Vylan’s set were available on iPlayer or Sounds.
“However, the live feed, which was showing subsequent performances from other acts on the same Glastonbury stage, remained up until it was amended shortly after 8pm while teams worked on a technical solution. Given the failings that have been acknowledged we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. We will not comment further on those processes at this time.
” Furthermore, as a result, we will make immediate changes to live streaming music events. Any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live. Editorial Policy support will always be available on site at major music festivals and events, to improve compliance processes and the speed of available advice – and we will provide more detailed, practical guidance on the threshold for withdrawing a live stream.
Avon and Somerset Police have also confirmed they are investigating both Bob Vylan for their “death to the IDF” chant and comment on working for “f***ing Zionists”. In a statement, the force said earlier this week: “Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s performances at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday has been reviewed.
” Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation.
“This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage. The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes”.
They added: “We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognise the strength of public feeling. There is absolutely no place in society for hate.
” Neighbourhood policing teams are speaking with people in their local communities and key stakeholders to make sure anyone who needs us knows that we are here for them. We hope the work we have carried out, and are continuing to carry out, reassures the public how seriously we are treating Saturday’s events. We politely ask the public refrain from continuing to report this matter to us because an investigation is already taking place. “
The duo have since been dropped by both their agent and management, while their US visas have been revoked ahead of their upcoming tour across the States, and performances in the UK, including at Radar Festival, have also been pulled. Moments after their performance, Glastonbury bosses issued a statement, saying that they had been” appalled “by the comments and that the lead singer of Bob Vylan had” crossed a line. “
Since the controversy, the band have taken to social media, saying:” We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. We like those in the spotlight before us are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. We are being targeted for speaking up. Free Palestine. “
Source: Mirror
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