BBC to stop broadcasting 'high risk' performances live after Bob Vylan Glastonbury row

The BBC has said it will no longer live broadcast "high risk" performances after the controversy over Bob Vylan's Glastonbury gig.

It comes after it showed the punk-rap duo leading the crowd in chants of "death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)".

The BBC said it was "clear that errors were made" before and during Saturday's performance.

It admitted the band were judged "high risk" during an assessment of all acts at Glastonbury, but deemed suitable for live streaming with "the use of language or content warnings".

"This was clearly not the case," the BBC said.

The broadcaster said Bob Vylan's show was monitored as it went out 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," it said.

The BBC said director-general Tim Davie was informed and ordered that none of the show should feature in any further coverage, such as appearing on demand.

After a slew of criticism over the last week, some of which suggested Mr Davie should resign, the BBC said music performances it deems high risk won't be broadcast or streamed live any more.

Editorial policy support will also be available on site at major events, while more "detailed, practical" guidance will be given on when to take down a live feed.

The BBC also suggested action could be taken against staff who failed to pull the plug on Bob Vylan.

"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," said the statement.

The broadcaster apologised to the Jewish community and said it deeply regretted "such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC".

"We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC," it added.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Thursday that the BBC's reply to her questions about the incident were not good enough and she had asked for more information.

Bob Vylan said on Instagram that they are "not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people", but instead support "dismantling of a violent military machine... A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza."

They said they were a "distraction from the story" and whatever "sanctions" they receive would also be a distraction.

"We are being targeted for speaking up, we are not the first, we will not be the last," they added.

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Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the on-stage comments, as well as looking at footage of Kneecap, the controversial group who played after them.

London's Metropolitan Police has launched its own investigation after the duo allegedly called for "death to every single IDF soldier" at a gig one month before Glastonbury.

Bob Vylan have also had their US visas revoked, meaning their tour cannot go ahead, and have been pulled from other upcoming performances.

However, they are currently still expected to perform at the Boardmasters festival in Newquay in August.

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