Bob Vylan's US visa revoked after Glastonbury festival, say reports

Members of the British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan have had their US visas revoked and are under investigation by UK police following chants made during their set at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend.

On Monday, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced on social media that the US had revoked the visas of the band members, stating it was in response to “their remarks at Glastonbury,” including an inflammatory chant.

The group was scheduled to begin a US tour in late October, according to a post on Instagram.

The US State Department has recently implemented stricter visa policies around individuals perceived to be promoting hate speech or violence.

During a performance on Glastonbury Festival’s West Holts Stage on Saturday, frontman Bobby Vylan led inflammatory chants.

In a subsequent Instagram post, Bobby Vylan acknowledged the reaction to the set, writing that he had received “messages of both support and hatred.” He added, “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”

The BBC, which live-streamed the performance, later said it found parts of the set “deeply offensive” and confirmed it would not be made available on demand.

On Monday, the broadcaster added that “with hindsight,” it should have removed the set from the live stream. “The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence,” it said in a statement.

British police confirmed they are reviewing footage of the performance. Authorities in Somerset, where the festival took place, said they had opened a criminal investigation and would examine the matter under relevant legislation, including that relating to hate crimes.

Bob Vylan’s work is known for addressing issues such as racism, inequality, and social justice.