The BBC has issued a formal apology following an incident where it allowed a "high-risk" act, Bob Vylan, to perform live at Glastonbury, despite internal alerts flagging potential controversial content. This performance, broadcast on the BBC's platforms, featured what the corporation deemed as "offensive and deplorable behavior" tied to antisemitism.
In an internal memo dated Thursday, Director-General Tim Davie personally addressed BBC staff, conveying his deep regret. "I am genuinely sorry that such offensive and deplorable behavior made its way onto the BBC, and I want to express my apologies—to our audience, to all of you, and particularly to our Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community. We are unequivocal in our stance: antisemitism has no place at the BBC."
This regrettable incident has prompted substantial shifts in the BBC's live streaming protocols for music events. Bob Vylan had been classified as "high-risk" after undergoing a rigorous risk assessment process, which all Glastonbury performers were subjected to, with seven acts falling under this category. Despite their classification, all were deemed suitable for live streaming with "appropriate safeguards."
However, the broadcaster acknowledged critical flaws in its compliance procedures. "Before Glastonbury, it was decided that compliance risks could be addressed in real-time on the live stream—through the use of language or content warnings—without the need for delays. Clearly, this was not the case," read the BBC statement.
Throughout the performance, the livestream was monitored as per established protocols, with warnings appearing twice. Despite heightened concerns, the editorial team opted not to terminate the feed—a decision the BBC now acknowledges as a grave "error."
Davie, who was on-site at Glastonbury visiting BBC staff, was promptly informed of the incident and immediately instructed teams to prevent further dissemination of the performance. While the performance was swiftly removed from BBC iPlayer and Sounds, the live feed remained active until shortly after 8 p.m. as teams scrambled for technical solutions.
BBC Chair Samir Shah also issued a statement, apologizing "to all our viewers and listeners, and especially to the Jewish community, for allowing the 'artist' Bob Vylan to articulate unconscionable antisemitic views live on the BBC." Shah praised Davie's swift action and confirmed that the BBC board met on Tuesday to address the incident.
This controversy has led to immediate policy adjustments for live music programming. High-risk musical performances will no longer be broadcast or streamed live, mandatory editorial policy support will be provided on-site at major music festivals, and the broadcaster will offer more detailed guidance on when to discontinue live streams.
The BBC has stated that it is taking actions to "ensure proper accountability for those responsible for the failures in the live broadcast."
This incident has proven to be a significant embarrassment for the public broadcaster, with Davie emphasizing its commitment to being "a beacon of inclusivity and tolerance" and fostering "an environment where everyone feels supported and can excel in their work."
