Bob Vylan, the British punk-rap duo, faced no charges over the controversial chant “death to the IDF” during their headline performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that after a thorough review of footage and witness accounts, they concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to pursue criminal charges against the band or its frontman, Pascal Robinson‑Foster, known as Bobby Vylan.
Senior officers said the material did not provide a realistic prospect of conviction under UK law.
A man in his mid‑30s was interviewed under caution earlier in the investigation, but no arrest or charging referral was made to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The decision effectively brings the legal process to an end.
The Glastonbury Controversy
The incident occurred at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, where Bob Vylan’s set included chants of “death, death to the IDF”, referring to the occupying Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
The phrases were delivered amid broader statements supporting Palestine and critical of Israel’s genocide and ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza.
The performance was streamed live on the BBC’s iPlayer, prompting immediate backlash.
Organisers condemned the language as “unacceptable”, saying it ran counter to the festival’s stated ethos of “hope, unity, peace and love.”
Several political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, described the chant as “appalling hate speech”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper later acknowledged concerns about the impact of such statements on community relations.
No Charges
Police said that while the chants and on‑stage rhetoric were offensive to many, the legal standard for hate speech or incitement offences was not met.
Officers worked with the CPS to assess whether comments during the show could be considered a crime.
Ultimately, authorities determined that prosecution was unlikely to succeed.
In a statement, the force emphasised that a high bar exists for free speech limits in the UK.
The decision signals that even deeply unpopular or provocative statements may fall short of criminality unless there is a clear link to disorder or violence.
Consequences for Bob Vylan
Though they will not face charges, Bob Vylan have suffered significant consequences.
They were dropped by their management and talent agency, and their U.S. visas were revoked, cancelling planned tours.
The duo defended their actions, arguing their criticism was political, not racist.
Bobby Vylan has repeatedly said he stood by his remarks and would make them again, framing them as opposition to military violence rather than hatred of any people.
They have also taken legal action, filing a defamation suit in Ireland against broadcaster RTÉ over its coverage of the incident, which they allege falsely labelled their comments as antisemitic.
Critics argue the “death to the IDF” chant crossed from political critique into dangerous rhetoric. But supporters counter that it was symbolic protest against military action, not a literal call for violence.
The incident has reignited broader debates in the UK about where the line lies between protected speech and unlawful incitement, particularly in the context of international conflict and domestic tensions.
