A UK minister has said the BBC's on-screen warnings about “discriminatory language” during Bob Wylan's Glastonbury performance were “not good enough”.
The BBC faced questions after rapper Bobby Wylan, from the rap-punk duo, led the crowd on stage at the West Holts festival on Saturday in chanting: “Freedom, freedom for Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said there was “no excuse” for the chanting, while the corporation said a warning about “very strong and discriminatory language” had been shown during the broadcast.
Bob Wylan's performance was broadcast live on iPlayer.
Baroness Jacqui Smith was asked on Times Radio whether she thought the BBC was biased.
She told the channel: “I don't think the BBC is biased, but I think they made a mistake here.
“It’s not enough to just say on screen that this is questionable language.
“It was much bigger and it shouldn't have been broadcast live. And I think the BBC could have stopped it.”
The UK education secretary also told Sky she was “surprised” the BBC was continuing to air the programme.
The BBC announced over the weekend that viewers would not be able to access the show on demand.
A spokesman for the broadcaster said: “Some of the comments made during Bob Wylan's appearance were deeply offensive.
“During this live stream on iPlayer, which was mirroring the action on stage, a warning about very crude and discriminatory language appeared on the screen.”
A former BBC editor has said the broadcaster should be able to “cut off transmission” whenever there is a “hint of hate speech”.
Sir Craig Oliver, who was also David Cameron's Downing Street communications director, told Radio 4's Today programme: “I suspect next year's Glastonbury festival will need a senior editor who understands the sensitivity of the issue and is going to cut down on the news.”
Sir Keir Starmer led criticism from across the political spectrum over the weekend, including a reference to Belfast rap group Kneecap, who faced calls to be expelled from the festival after one of their members was charged with terrorism offences.
In response to Bob Wylan's chants, the British Prime Minister said: “There is no justification for this kind of horrific hate speech.
“I said that Kneecap should not be given a platform, and that goes for any other performers who threaten or incite violence.
“The BBC must explain how these scenes were broadcast.”
Formed in Ipswich in 2017, Bob Vylan have released four albums tackling issues of racism, masculinity and class.
According to available information, Bobby Wylan's real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster and he is 34 years old.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Wylan said: “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way to make this world a better place.
“As we grow older and our fire begins to perhaps fade under the weight of adulthood and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that has been passed to us.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
