State Department yanks visas for British band that called for ‘death to the IDF’
The State Department has taken a strong stance against the British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan after their controversial performance at England’s Glastonbury Music Festival. The duo, made up of musicians Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, sparked outrage with their chants calling for “death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
In response to their inflammatory remarks, the State Department has revoked the visas for the members of Bob Vylan, effectively canceling their upcoming tour in the U.S. A senior State Department official stated, “The Secretary of State has been clear – the U.S. will not approve visas for terrorist sympathizers.”
Despite facing backlash, Bobby Vylan stood by his statements, declaring on social media, “I said what I said.” He emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations to advocate for change through activism and vocal protest.
The BBC, which broadcasted Bob Vylan’s performance live, issued an apology for not pulling the stream during the antisemitic chants. The network condemned the sentiments expressed by the duo, stating, “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with using a platform to incite violence or hatred. The State Department’s actions send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, especially when it comes to promoting terrorism or antisemitism.
As this story continues to develop, it underscores the importance of upholding freedom of expression while also holding individuals and groups accountable for their words and actions. Stay tuned for updates on this breaking news story.
Author: Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.
