Bob Vylan vocalist Pascal Robinson has secured a public apology and substantial damages from Reach plc, publishers of the Manchester Evening News (MEN), after the outlet falsely accused him of performing Nazi salutes during live performances.
The defamatory claim against the pro-Palestine singer appeared in an article published on October 6, 2025, headlined: “Jewish leaders and MPs ‘deeply concerned’ over Bob Vylan gig in Manchester.”
The piece alleged that Robinson had “performed Nazi salutes on stage” — an accusation described by his legal team as “extremely serious and damaging.”
In fact, the gesture in question was part of Bob Vylan’s established pre-show ritual: a guided light stretching and meditation routine, introduced to audiences at every performance.
As part of a sun salutation, Robinson raises his left arm upward while placing his right hand over his heart, turning to face all four corners of the venue to symbolically connect with the crowd.
The practice, rooted in mindfulness and inclusivity, has been a staple of the band’s live shows for years.
Following legal action by Rahman Lowe Solicitors, Reach plc has now:
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- Issued a full correction and apology on the MEN website and its official X account
- Acknowledged the gesture was a sun salutation, not a Nazi salute
- Paid substantial damages and covered Robinson’s legal costs
- Committed never to repeat the allegation
The published apology reads: “Our article… included a statement that the band Bob Vylan had ‘performed Nazi salutes on stage’. The band’s singer, Pascal Robinson, has informed us – and we accept – that the gesture in question was in fact a sun salutation, performed by him as part of ‘guided light stretching and meditation’ at the start of all Bob Vylan shows.
We are happy to correct the record and apologise to Mr Robinson, and Bob Vylan, for the error.”
Speaking after the settlement, Pascal Robinson said: “To have something rooted in mindfulness, peace and connection distorted into a symbol of hate was both painful and outrageous. Our art has always stood against oppression in all its forms — racism, fascism, and discrimination — and we will never stop using our platform to speak truth to power. We’re grateful to Rahman Lowe for defending our integrity. The truth matters, and we’re glad it’s now been recognised.”
Zillur Rahman, partner at Rahman Lowe Solicitors, added: “This was a grossly irresponsible allegation that risked severe reputational harm to an artist whose career is defined by anti-racism and social justice. We are pleased Reach plc has accepted the claim was untrue, issued a full public correction, and paid substantial damages.”
Bob Vylan — known for blending punk, grime, hip-hop, and hardcore with fierce critiques of inequality, racism, and state violence — recently performed at Glastonbury 2025 and are currently on a UK tour.
