The U.S. State Department is revoking the visa status of British rap duo Bob Vylan following their controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival, where they chanted “Death to the IDF.” This potential diplomatic action comes in response to growing pressure from anti-semitism watchdog groups and Republican Congressman Randy Fine, highlighting the delicate balance between artistic expression and inflammatory rhetoric on the international stage. What role did the BBC play in broadcasting the performance live?
State Department Takes Action Against Anti-IDF Rhetoric
The U.S. State Department is reportedly revoking visas for British rap duo Bob Vylan following their controversial performance at the Glastonbury Festival, where they led chants of “Death to the IDF.” This potential action underscores the Trump administration’s stance on inflammatory rhetoric against allied military forces, particularly Israel’s Defense Forces, amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
A senior State Department official emphasized the administration’s position, stating: “As a reminder, under the Trump Administration, the U.S. government will not issue visas to any foreigner who supports terrorists.” The review was initiated after calls from the StopAntisemitism advocacy group and Republican Congressman Randy Fine, who have characterized the performers’ statements as incitement.
Lucy Connolly is in prison for a tweet calling for deportations — Meanwhile, Bob Vylan chants for the death of Israelis on BBC’s world stage… and walks free.
One gets 31 months. The other gets airtime.
Make it make sense.
pic.twitter.com/2UEXPXRwGb— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) June 29, 2025
Controversy Sparks International Backlash
Bob Vylan’s performance has generated significant diplomatic tension, with the Embassy of Israel in the UK formally condemning their rhetoric as harmful hate speech. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has demanded an explanation from the BBC, which initially broadcast the performance live before removing it from their iPlayer platform due to the offensive language and content.
Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell strongly denounced the incident, stating: “These abhorrent chants, which included calls for the death of members of the Israeli Defense Forces, are abhorrent and have no place in any civil society.” The controversy occurred as the rap duo prepared for their fall U.S. tour, where they were scheduled to open for rapper Grandson.
BREAKING: Sec of State Marco Rubio has officially revoked the visas of British rap duo Bob Vylan
The group had called for the death of Israeli soldiers and was scheduled to tour the U.S. pic.twitter.com/S2tZheY83f
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) June 30, 2025
Broader Implications for Artistic Expression
The Glastonbury Festival organizers have been urged to formally denounce Bob Vylan’s rhetoric, highlighting the growing tensions between artistic freedom and responsible platform management. Liora Rez, executive director of StopAntisemitism, emphasized their commitment “to doing everything in our power to ensure the United States does not follow the UK’s dangerous descent into institutionalized antisemitism.”
The timing of this controversy is particularly sensitive given the ongoing conflict in Gaza following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. The potential visa revocation represents a significant test case for how Western democracies manage the line between protected political speech and rhetoric that potentially incites violence against allied nations’ military personnel.