Anti-Israel punk duo Bob Vylan have said on social media that they are taking legal action against the BBC following controversy around their performance at Glastonbury last year.
The duo, comprised of drummer Wade Laurence George, known as Bobbie Vylan, and singer Bobby Vylan, real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, performed on the West Holts Stage in June 2025, with Robinson-Foster leading crowds in chants of “death, death to the IDF”.
The BBC faced criticism for livestreaming the performance, saying in a statement shortly after that the Ipswich-formed act had been deemed suitable for live streaming but that this was “clearly not the case”, and apologising for the group’s “offensive and deplorable behaviour”.
Then-BBC Director General Tim Davie also later admitted that the corporation had aired an ‘antisemitic broadcast’ in relation to the performance.
On Friday, the duo said on Instagram that they are taking legal action against the corporation, accusing it of “placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit”.
The BBC declined to comment.
The post said: “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.
“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.”
The duo also said they had “no choice but to take on this fight”, concluding: “Free Palestine and justice for the Filton 25 [the activists arrested in connection with Palestine Action-linked attacks on the Elbit Systems factory near Filton in August 2024].”
The duo, who are known for writing songs that criticise the British establishment, took to the West Holts Stage ahead of a performance from Belfast rap trio Kneecap, who were also investigated by police for comments made on stage.
Following the performance, they were dropped from several festivals and events, including Radar festival, a show at a German music venue, and a US tour.
Robinson-Foster said on the Louis Theroux Podcast last October that he was “not regretful” of the chant and would “do it again tomorrow”.
Avon and Somerset Police later opened a criminal investigation over the incident, but said in December that no further action would be taken.
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