'Death to IDF' chant gets group’s visas revoked after festival backlash

Punk duo Bob Villain has been dropped by their talent agency UTA and had their U.S. visas revoked after making reportedly anti-Semitic chants during a performance at a major U.K. festival

Rapper Bobby Villain of Bob Villain led chant Saturday like Free Palestine and Death to the IDF, referring to Israel's defense forces

The controversial moment took place during Glastonbury Festival, which drew more than 200,000 attendees this year, according to The Guardian

The performance aired live on BBC, and now Good Morning Britain reports some are calling for the broadcaster's director general to resign

In a statement Monday, the BBC said it respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence

They added that the decision to keep the performance off demand platforms was in line with their guidelines, but admitted with hindsight, we should have pulled the stream during the performance

CNN reports that British police are now reviewing footage to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted And according to Deadline United Talent Agency has officially cut ties with the duo

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department responded Monday morning with the Deputy Secretary of State announcing on X

the visas of the group have been revoked ahead of a few scheduled U.S. shows

Glastonbury also addressed the controversy, saying they welcome diverse voices, but a performer's presence should never be seen as a tacit endorsement of their opinions and beliefs

Villain has doubled down in an Instagram post, captioned, I said what I said

Part of the post itself reads, Meanwhile, Irish group Necap was also under watch this year

One of their members was recently charged with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during an event last year and earlier this spring

they similarly led Free Palestine chants at Coachella. With Strait Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton

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