Bobby Vylan stands firm on his controversial chant at Glastonbury Festival, expressing no remorse for the incident that stirred up controversy during the BBC coverage. The frontman of the punk duo, Bob Vylan, defiantly stated that he would repeat the chant if given the chance.
During their performance at the festival, the duo led the audience in a chant that included the words “Death, death to the IDF.” The remarks drew criticism from Glastonbury co-organizer Emily Eavis, who described them as “appalling.”
The BBC promptly removed the performance from iPlayer and issued an apology for the offensive content. However, in a recent interview, the frontman, known as Pascal Robinson-Foster offstage, reiterated his willingness to stand by his actions.
In a conversation with Louis Theroux on his podcast, Robinson-Foster affirmed his stance, stating that he would not hesitate to repeat the chant if given the opportunity. He emphasized that the backlash he faced was insignificant compared to the struggles endured by people in Palestine, whom he vocalizes his support for through his actions.
Addressing the criticism he received, Robinson-Foster emphasized that he was motivated by a desire to support his Palestinian friends and those affected by the ongoing conflict. He dismissed the negative reactions from certain quarters, highlighting the importance of standing up for what he believes in.
Although facing criticism from various quarters, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeling it as “appalling hate speech,” Robinson-Foster remained resolute in his stance. The BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit found that the broadcast breached editorial standards, but the musician revealed that BBC staff had praised the set.
Following their performance, Avon and Somerset Police announced an ongoing investigation into the incident. The police stated that further inquiries were necessary, leading to a criminal investigation being initiated to probe the public order incident.
The Louis Theroux Podcast, where Robinson-Foster discussed the incident, is currently available on Spotify.