The US government has pulled visas issued to British punk-rappers Bob Vylan Monday after their antisemitic “hateful tirade” at Glastonbury over the weekend.
“The State Department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a post on X on Monday.
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
The London-based duo attempted to lead the crowd in chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF” during their set at the venerable music festival on Saturday.
The rappers were slated to kick off a 20-show tour across the US in late October.
The State Department announcement comes after British cops on Monday launched a criminal probe into Bob Vylan — who perform under stage names, ostensibly to protect their privacy — as well as Irish rap band Kneecap over their Glastonbury antics.
While Vylan’s set included the slam against the Israeli military, Kneecap led chants against British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also condemned Israel.
“We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognize the strength of public feeling. There is absolutely no place in society for hate,” police said in a statement.
The BBC, which broadcasts the festival live, admitted it should have cut Bob Vylan’s livestream when the offensive chanting started.
The public broadcaster issued a warning onscreen accompanying the set, but conceded it should have gone further.
“The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves,” the BBC said in a statement.
“The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen.”
