Fact Check: "Bob Vylan's US visas revoked due to 'hateful tirade'"
What We Know
The US State Department has officially revoked the visas of Bob Vylan, a British rap-punk duo, following their performance at the Glastonbury Festival where they led the audience in chants against the Israeli military. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the revocation was due to the band's "hateful tirade" during their set, which included chants of "death to the IDF" (Israel Defense Forces) and calls for support for Palestine. This action aligns with the US government's policy of restricting visas for individuals who are perceived to promote violence or hatred (CNN, The Hill).
The performance at Glastonbury sparked significant backlash, leading to statements from British officials and the Israeli Embassy, which condemned the rhetoric as "inflammatory and hateful." The BBC, which aired the performance, later expressed regret for not pulling the broadcast, acknowledging that the sentiments expressed were "deeply offensive" and had no place on their platform (CNN, Hollywood Reporter).
Analysis
The claim that Bob Vylan's US visas were revoked due to a "hateful tirade" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The US State Department's decision was explicitly linked to the band's performance at Glastonbury, where they led chants that were interpreted as inciting violence against the Israeli military. This aligns with the US's broader policy of visa revocation for individuals who are seen as promoting hate or violence (CNN, The Hill).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include major news outlets like CNN and The Hill, which are known for their journalistic standards. The statements from government officials, such as Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, provide authoritative confirmation of the visa revocation. Furthermore, the backlash from British officials and the Israeli Embassy adds context to the severity of the situation, indicating that the performance was not only controversial but also widely condemned (CNN, Hollywood Reporter).
Critically, the term "hateful tirade" reflects the US government's interpretation of the band's actions, which has been supported by public and governmental reactions in both the UK and Israel. This context is essential for understanding the implications of the visa revocation.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. The US visas for Bob Vylan were indeed revoked due to their performance at the Glastonbury Festival, which included leading the audience in chants that were deemed hateful. This decision was publicly confirmed by the US State Department and is supported by multiple credible news sources.
