Bob Vylan launched a defamation lawsuit in Dublin on Monday, focusing on Irish broadcaster RTE over its protection of the duo’s Glastonbury Festival efficiency, which the community framed as antisemitic somewhat than pro-Palestinian.

The London-based punk-rap group — made up of vocalist Pascal Robinson-Foster and drummer Wade Laurence George- filed the High Court motion by means of Phoenix Law Solicitors, arguing RTE misrepresented politically charged chants made throughout their June set.

At the middle of the dispute are Robinson-Foster’s onstage calls of “Death, death, to the IDF” and “Free, free, Palestine.”

“These allegations are categorically denied by our clients and are entirely untrue,” Phoenix Law mentioned in a press release. The agency added that the group’s remarks have been “expressing support for Palestinian self-determination and criticizing military actions by the Israel Defence Forces.”

The efficiency happened amid escalating violence in Gaza, the place tens of 1000’s of Palestinians have been being killed, in accordance with native well being officers. The BBC, which aired the set dwell, later apologized and eliminated the footage. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the efficiency as “appalling hate speech.”

The fallout was swift.

U.S. immigration authorities revoked the group’s visas, forcing them to cancel American tour dates. Several festivals removed them from their lineups.

Robinson-Foster was questioned by legislation enforcement within the UK final month however has not been charged.

In response to the backlash, Robinson-Foster clarified the intent behind the chants. “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,” he mentioned. “The comments made were politically charged but not antisemitic in nature.”

Phoenix Law solicitor Darragh Mackin emphasised the authorized distinction between political critique and hate speech.

“Our clients are no stranger to utilizing their freedom of expression to speak out against the genocide in Gaza,” Mackin mentioned. “There is however, a fundamental distinction between speaking critically about the role of the Israeli state forces, and being antisemitic.”

The lawsuit arrives amid rising scrutiny over how criticism of Israel is portrayed in Western media. Since October 7, 2023, accusations of antisemitism have more and more been used to discredit these condemning Israeli army operations in Gaza.

More than 70,000 Palestinians have died within the battle, in accordance with well being officers within the area. The authorized staff mentioned it requested a public apology and retraction from RTE, however obtained no reply. The go well with seeks compensation for “significant reputational and emotional damage suffered by our clients.”

During an October podcast, Robinson-Foster mentioned the backlash was minor in comparison with the struggling in Gaza.

“The criticism we’ve received is minimal compared to what people in Palestine are going through,” he mentioned.

The group carried out at Dublin’s Vicar Street in November, persevering with to make use of their platform to spotlight Palestinian points. RTE declined to touch upon the lawsuit. The case may affect how media organizations cowl politically charged performances throughout instances of battle.

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