BBC’s director of music, Lorna Clarke, has temporarily stepped away from her role following the fallout from Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, NaijNaira can report.
According to The Times, Clarke’s decision comes amid internal review after punk duo Bob Vylan performed live on the West Holts Stage, with frontman Bobby Vylan shouting “death to the IDF” during their Saturday set.
The BBC said in a statement that the act had been classified “high risk” prior to the festival but was mistakenly approved for live streaming.
“We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC,” the broadcaster said on Thursday. “We want to apologise to our viewers, our listeners, and particularly the Jewish community.”
The broadcaster also acknowledged internal errors in their compliance procedures, saying: “It is clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan’s appearance.”
The BBC added it would no longer stream acts labeled as high risk in real-time, shifting its policy for future music events.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are investigating Bobby Vylan’s comments.
Footage from an earlier gig in London allegedly shows similar remarks.
The band claimed on Tuesday they were being “targeted for speaking up.”
They have since been pulled from Radar Festival in Manchester and a show in Germany.
Their US visas were revoked just weeks before their upcoming tour.
Despite the controversy, Bob Vylan are still booked to appear at Boardmasters Festival in August.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
