By Sammy Jones-
Pascal Robinson-Foster (who performs as Bobby Vylan, one half of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan) was interviewed under caution in connection with a public order investigation launched by Avon and Somerset Police following comments he made on stage at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2025.
The specific comments that led to the investigation were when he led the crowd in repeated chants of “death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defence Forces). The performance was broadcast live by the BBC, sparking widespread controversy and condemnation from politicians and public figures who labelled the remarks as “appalling hate speech” and potentially antisemitic.
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The Incident: During the duo’s set on the West Holts stage, Robinson-Foster chanted “death, death to the IDF”, and also engaged in “Free! Free! Palestine!” chants.
The Investigation: Avon and Somerset Police launched a criminal investigation to determine if any criminal offences, potentially under the Public Order Act 1986 regarding stirring up racial hatred or other public order legislation, were committed.
Robinson-Foster, a man in his 30s, voluntarily attended a police interview under caution on November 10, 2025, after police received advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Being interviewed under caution means he was suspected of an offence and his statements could be used in evidence.
Further Investigation: The Metropolitan Police also launched a separate investigation into similar comments he allegedly made during a concert at Alexandra Palace in May 2025.
Band’s Response: In a statement, the band clarified they are not “for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race” but for the “dismantling of a violent military machine”. Robinson-Foster has stated he is not regretful of the chant and would “do it again tomorrow”.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The key legal challenge, according to some legal analysts, would be proving that the chants were specifically intended to stir up racial hatred rather than being a political statement against a military body, which the band has claimed. The BBC’s internal complaints unit, for instance, ruled that while the comments could “fairly be characterised as antisemitic” in general, the “death to the IDF” chant was directed at an institution rather than individuals and thus did not breach the BBC’s guidelines on inciting crime in their assessment. The police investigation is a separate legal process to the BBC’s internal review.
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The police are treating the matter as a public order incident while inquiries continue
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