BBC shares statement after Hozier’s poignant Palestine speech was cut from broadcast

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Hozier delivered a moving speech that included support for Palestine and the rap group Kneecap, according to the BBC, explaining the rationale for not broadcasting his performance.

The BBC has spoken out about Hozier’s performance at Reading Festival(Image: Getty Images)

The BBC has spoken out about Hozier’s performance at Reading Festival and explained the reason behind his performance not being broadcast. The Reading and Leeds headliner reportedly had an agreement with the broadcaster for his performance to not be shown on iPlayer.

On August 22, Hozier took to the stage with a performance that went beyond the music to express his passionate opinions on issues such as equality, rap group Kneecap, and Palestine.

He began by examining famous people throughout history who have used music to deliver speeches, including name-checking stars like Nina Simone, Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Ewan MacColl.

He went on to say: “I think people want to see human beings live in peace and safety, and security. I think that people would want to see that for their neighbours. They would want to see that for members of their community. I believe that people would want to see people they don’t know live with peace and safety, and security. Am I right?” It comes as Katie releases a statement after Alex Reid leaks bombshell cash counting video

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Hozier took to the main stage on August 22 with a performance that went far beyond the music(Image: Redferns)

The musician continued, “Seeing a Palestine that is free from occupation, that is free from these cycles of genocide and violence, and that is free to move toward meaningful self-determination and statehood” for the sake of everyone in the Middle East.

While many artists were livestreamed onto BBC iPlayer, Hozier was not and many fans were left disappointed. The BBC has responded to the criticism and explained in a statement to The Metro why Hozier’s set was not broadcast.

The statement read: “Viewers can enjoy a wide range of performances and highlights from Reading and Leeds Festival on BBC iPlayer, BBC Music’s YouTube channel, BBC One and Radio 1. As mutually agreed ahead of Reading Festival, Hozier chose not to be included in the BBC’s coverage.”

While many artists were livestreamed onto BBC iPlayer, Hozier was not and many fans were left disappointed(Image: Redferns)

Following backlash over live-streaming Bob Vylan’s set at Glastonbury, the BBC announced it would no longer be showing any performances it believed might be “high risk” in the future.

The band’s set was live-streamed as they performed before Kneecap’s set on the West Holts Stage at Worthy Farm. The band chanted “Free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF” before moving on.

The performance follows after the BBC said it will no longer be broadcasting any performances it thinks may be “high risk”(Image: Getty Images)

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Since then, the BBC has expressed regret for not intervening and halting its programming. The organization stated in a statement that “we fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan’s live broadcast of Glastonbury on the BBC.

We regret deeply that the BBC broadcast such offensive and repulsive behavior, and we apologise to both our viewers and listeners, particularly the Jewish community. We are also unwavering in our conviction that the BBC cannot tolerate antisemitism.

Source: Mirror

BBC shares statement after Hozier’s poignant Palestine speech was cut from broadcast