The BBC has said it will no longer broadcast performances deemed « high risk » live following controversy over Bob Vylan’s appearance at Glastonbury.
It comes after the BBC broadcast footage of the punk rap duo as they led crowds in chants of « death to the IDF ».
In a statement, BBC director general Tim Davie said he « deeply regrets that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to say sorry – to our audience and to all of you, but in particular to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community.
« We are unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at the BBC. I and everyone need to ensure that the BBC is a role model for inclusivity and tolerance and we all have a part to play. »
In a statement, the BBC said it was « clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan’s appearance. »
The broadcaster said the duo were deemed « high risk » following an assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury, but deemed suitable for live streaming with « appropriate mitigations ».
« Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case, » the BBC said.
« During the performance, the livestream was monitored in line with the agreed compliance protocols and a number of issues were escalated.
« Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed. This was an error. »
The corporation added that it would make « immediate changes to livestreaming music events », including no longer broadcasting performances deemed high risk live.
In a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, the band said they were « not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,’ rather, they were for the « dismantling of a violent military machine ».
In their statement, the group said they were a « distraction from the story » in Gaza and that whatever « sanctions » they received would also be a distraction.
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