Bob Vylan misplaced their U.S. visas and a serious tour after chants at Glastonbury Competition drew accusations of hate speech and sparked worldwide backlash.

The British punk-rap duo, identified for his or her politically charged performances, had their American journey privileges revoked following their June 29 set at Glastonbury, the place they led the group in chants together with “Free, free Palestine” and “Dying, dying to the IDF.”

The U.S. State Division referred to as the remarks “a hateful tirade” and stated the group wouldn’t be allowed to enter the nation.

“The State Division has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in mild of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, together with main the group in dying chants,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on Monday (June 30). “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are usually not welcome guests to our nation.”

The fallout was swift. The BBC, which broadcast the efficiency, issued a press release saying, “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan have been completely unacceptable and don’t have any place on our airwaves.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer additionally condemned the act, calling it “appalling hate speech.” UK police have since opened a prison probe into the efficiency for attainable hate crime and public order violations.

The group, made up of members Bobby and Bobbie, was scheduled to kick off a U.S. tour in October 2025. That tour is now off the desk. Their reserving company, United Expertise Company, additionally dropped them from its roster.

Bob Vylan: “WE ARE A DISTRACTION FROM THE STORY”

Regardless of the mounting criticism, Bob Vylan stood by their message. On Tuesday (July 1), they launched a press release addressing the controversy head-on.

“NOT THE FIRST. NOT THE LAST,” the assertion started. “TODAY, A GOOD MANY PEOPLE WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE A PUNK BAND IS THE NUMBER ONE THREAT TO WORLD PEACE. LAST WEEK IT WAS A PALESTINE PRESSURE GROUP, THE WEEK BEFORE THAT IT WAS ANOTHER BAND.”

They continued, “WE ARE NOT FOR THE DEATH OF JEWS, ARABS OR ANY OTHER RACE OR GROUP OF PEOPLE. WE ARE FOR THE DISMANTLING OF A VIOLENT MILITARY MACHINE. A MACHINE WHOSE OWN SOLDIERS WERE TOLD TO USE ‘UNNECESSARY LETHAL FORCE’ AGAINST INNOCENT CIVILIANS WAITING FOR AID. A MACHINE THAT HAS DESTROYED MUCH OF GAZA.”

The duo argued that the eye on them was a distraction from bigger points. “WE, LIKE THOSE IN THE SPOTLIGHT BEFORE US, ARE NOT THE STORY. WE ARE A DISTRACTION FROM THE STORY. AND WHATEVER SANCTIONS WE RECEIVE WILL BE A DISTRACTION.”

They closed the assertion with a name to motion: “WE ARE BEING TARGETED FOR SPEAKING UP. WE ARE NOT THE FIRST. WE WILL NOT BE THE LAST. AND IF YOU CARE FOR THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH, WE URGE YOU TO SPEAK UP, TOO. FREE PALESTINE.”

On Instagram, the group’s lead vocalist beforehand doubled down with a brief message: “I stated what I stated.” One other submit learn, “Instructing our youngsters to talk up for the change they need and want is the one means that we make this world a greater place.”

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