The United States has revoked the Visas of the British Rap Punk Bob Vylan duo after the group led a controversial song during its set in the Glastonbury Music Festival.
The Undersecretary of State of State, Christopher Landau, confirmed the move on Monday, citing the use of inflammatory language by the band.
“The United States has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in the light of their hateful diatribe in Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in the songs of death,” Landau published in X.
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hate are not welcome to the visitors of our country,” he added.
The band, known for combining punk rock with hip-hop and confronting problems such as racism and inequality, led to a “death to the IDF”, a reference to Israel's defense forces, during their performance at the festival.
The action has caused international reactions.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, described the song of the band as a “frightening hate speech.” The BBC, which transmitted the festival, issued an apology for not reducing images immediately.
Glastonbury's controversy follows a similar debate around Kneecap, a politically open group of Belfast. Kneecap had previously criticized Israel's military actions during his performance as Coachella in California.
Despite the pressure, including Prime Minister Starmer, to eliminate Kneecap from the Glastonbury alignment, the festival organizers retained the group. However, the BBC chose not to transmit its set.
Both Bob Vylan and Kneecap had scheduled performances in the United States at the end of this year. The visa revocations now put those plans in serious doubts.
The administration of President Donald Trump has increased visa cancellations in recent months, especially aimed at foreign citizens involved in antiisraeli activism.
(AFP)
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