Bobby Vylan Discusses Glastonbury Chant Controversy: No Regrets!

This summer, during a performance at the Glastonbury Festival in England, rapper Bobby Vylan, part of the London duo Bob Vylan, made headlines by leading the crowd in chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces). This moment sparked significant backlash, prompting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to condemn the remarks as “appalling hate speech.” The incident also led to a police investigation and the U.S. State Department revoking the duo’s visas ahead of their planned fall tour. Additionally, they were dropped from events like Radar Festival and France’s Kave Fest.

Vylan later addressed the controversy on Instagram, stating simply, “I said what I said.”

Insights from The Louis Theroux Podcast

On October 1, before a cease-fire in Gaza was announced on October 9, Vylan appeared on The Louis Theroux Podcast to discuss the fallout from the controversial performance. The episode, which will be aired soon, delves deeper into the socio-political implications of his statements and the reactions that followed.

Standing Firm on His Beliefs

When Theroux inquired about whether Vylan would repeat the chant at another event, he affirmed: “Oh yeah. If I were to go on Glastonbury again tomorrow, yes I would do it again. I’m not regretful of it.” He emphasized that the backlash felt trivial compared to the struggles faced by people in Palestine.

Vylan elaborated, “If I can support my Palestinian friends and those affected, then I feel there’s no room for regret. If my chant resonates with them, that’s what matters to me.”

The Significance of the Chant

In the interview, Theroux prompted Vylan to clarify the potential interpretations of his words. He noted that some might interpret the chant as inciting violence against IDF soldiers. However, Vylan reiterated that the chant itself is of little importance compared to the dire conditions in Palestine that allow such expressions to occur.

“The real issue is not the chant but the circumstances that give rise to it. The focus should be on the alarming rate at which Palestinian lives are being lost,” he stated passionately.

For those interested in exploring Vylan’s perspectives further, be sure to check out The Louis Theroux Podcast, available now on Spotify. What’s your take on the impact of music and art in addressing social issues?