Punk rap duo Bob Vylan have announced they are taking legal action against the BBC following the broadcaster’s response to their controversial performance at Glastonbury 2025, in which the band led the crowd in chants relating to Gaza.
In a lengthy statement posted to social media on Friday, the duo accused the BBC of applying labels to them that they say were false and of attempting to suppress voices critical of Israeli actions in Palestine. “We have decided to take legal action against the BBC,” the statement read. “In the immediate aftermath of our performance at Glastonbury 2025, the BBC wasted no time in placing labels upon us that did not, do not and never will fit.”
The band went on to accuse the corporation of a broader pattern of behaviour, including editing speeches, removing content and blocking the release of documentaries that they say challenge the BBC’s preferred narrative. “The BBC have attempted to silence those that oppose the heinous crimes taking place in Palestine, instead labelling them as anti-semitic, editing their speeches, removing their content and even blocking the release of documentaries that challenge the desired narrative of the BBC and its top brass,” they wrote.
Far from presenting the legal action as a reluctant step, the band framed it as an opportunity. “These responses are unacceptable. So seeing the opportunity to remind them the power of the people that they are attempting to silence, we had no choice but to take on this fight. In fact, we take great pleasure in serving them that reminder in court.”
The statement ended with the words: “Free Palestine and Justice for the Filton 25.”
