Punk band Bob Vylan claim they're "being targeted for speaking up" following mounting backlash over controversial Glastonbury performance

A statement from the band posted on Instagram on Monday (01,07.25) said: "We are not the first. We will not be the last.

"We are being targeted for speaking up."

Bob Vylan appeared on the West Holts stage just before Kneecap, another controversial act.

The BBC, which live-streamed the performance, has also come under scrutiny after it emerged that its director general, 57-year-old Tim Davie, was in attendance and consulted on how to handle the broadcast.

The band's chant prompted a flurry of criticism from political leaders, Jewish organisations, and members of the public.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 61, said: "There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech," and demanded an explanation from the BBC.

Glastonbury Festival organisers said they were "appalled" by the comments, stating the performance had "crossed the line".

According to a statement from Avon and Somerset Police posted on X, video and audio footage from the performances of both Bob Vylan and 32-year-old Kneecap frontman Mo Chara had been reviewed.

The force said: "Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken."

It added: "This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage."

The broadcast watchdog Ofcom said it was "very concerned" about the performance and stated that "the BBC clearly has questions to answer".

A spokesperson for the BBC said the set contained "anti-Semitic sentiments" and was "utterly unacceptable".

The corporation added: "The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence."

Bob Vylan have since been dropped by their representation at United Talent Agency following internal discussions.

The group have also had their US visas revoked.

The BBC confirmed Tim Davie was made aware of the incident at Glastonbury and agreed with the decision not to make the performance available on demand.

However, the broadcast remained accessible for five hours after the performance ended.

"The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance," the BBC said. "We regret this did not happen."

Bob Vylan's post came amid growing calls from MPs, including 48-year-old Chris Philp, for the singer to face legal consequences.

Mr Philp referenced the case of Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for a series of tweets following the Southport murders in 2023, and suggested similar standards be applied.

Kneecap, who led a "free Palestine" chant and criticised the Prime Minister during their performance, are also part of the ongoing police investigation.

Lord Astin described the events as "a very dark day" for the BBC.