The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan following their controversial Glastonbury Festival performance, during which they led chants of “Death to the IDF” and “Free Palestine.” The decision precedes the band’s scheduled U.S. tour in October and November.
A senior U.S. official confirmed that the State Department had been “already looking at revocation” and stressed that, under the Trump administration, the U.S. does not grant visas to individuals perceived as supporting terrorism.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, Jewish organisations, and the public.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the remarks as “appalling hate speech,” while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded answers from the BBC, which had broadcast the performance live. The BBC later acknowledged it should have cut the livestream and confirmed it will not make the set available on demand.
The Israeli Embassy in London expressed alarm, stating that such rhetoric “raises serious questions about the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence.”
British police are also involved: Avon and Somerset Police are reviewing footage to assess whether the comments warrant criminal investigation.
Despite the backlash, Bob Vylan have remained unapologetic. Posting on social media, Bobby Vylan declared, “I said what I said,” framing the chant as a political expression and a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian Arab cause.
Photo credit: Reuters \ PA Images
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