British rap duo who chanted ‘Death to the IDF’ may be barred from entering US
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Bob Vylan’s U.S. Tour at Risk After Controversial Glastonbury Performance Sparks Backlash
Istanbul — British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan are facing potential consequences in the United States following a politically charged performance at the Glastonbury Music Festival over the weekend. The group’s lead vocalist, known as Bobby, sparked controversy after leading chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to IDF” during their Saturday set on one of the festival’s stages.
The comments, which also included the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free,” drew immediate criticism from some advocacy groups and have reportedly prompted U.S. officials to consider revoking the band’s visas ahead of their upcoming North American tour.
According to a senior U.S. State Department official who spoke to The Daily Wire, the Biden administration—referencing a policy that dates back to the Trump era—may take steps to block the group’s entry into the United States. The official stated, “We are already looking at revocation,” referring to the group’s visas ahead of their Inertia Tour, which includes stops in over 20 U.S. cities, including Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
“As a reminder, under the Trump administration, the U.S. government will not issue visas to any foreigner who supports terrorists,” the official added, suggesting that the band’s comments could be interpreted as promoting extremism.
BBC Criticism and Media Response
The BBC, which broadcast Glastonbury live, aired Bob Vylan’s performance without censorship. However, it has since faced criticism for doing so. A BBC spokesperson later described the remarks made during the set as “deeply offensive” and confirmed that the performance will not be available for replay on its iPlayer streaming platform.
In contrast, the BBC chose not to air the performance of Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, another act that expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments during the festival, citing editorial guidelines as the reason.
Advocacy Group Demands Visa Revocation
U.S.-based nonprofit StopAntisemitism, known for monitoring and calling out antisemitic rhetoric, condemned Bob Vylan’s remarks and called for immediate action. The group posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“This antisemite must have his visa denied/rescinded – his hate is not welcome here.”
The group accused the band of promoting hatred and violence through its rhetoric on stage, particularly the chant “Death to the IDF,” which it claims incites violence against Israeli forces and, by extension, Jewish communities globally.
Broader Context and Ongoing Tensions
Bob Vylan’s performance comes amid ongoing international protests and heightened global tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Artists and public figures have increasingly used their platforms to speak out, with some facing criticism for going too far, while others are praised for using their voices in support of human rights.
Bob Vylan, known for politically and socially charged lyrics that tackle issues such as racism, police brutality, and inequality, have not released a formal statement addressing the Glastonbury performance controversy as of the time of this report.
What’s Next?
With their U.S. tour set to begin in the coming weeks, the fate of Bob Vylan’s performances in North America now hangs in the balance. The State Department has not officially confirmed any visa action, but the growing pressure from advocacy groups and media attention could influence the final decision.
For now, fans and critics alike await further statements from the band and U.S. authorities, as the debate over freedom of expression, antisemitism, and international activism continues to stir strong reactions on both sides.
