British Rap Group Loses U.S. Visa After Anti-Semitic Comments

Vylan made repeated anti-semetic remarks at their show this past weekend, including calling for the death of Israeli soldiers.

Published July 9, 2025

On Monday, the U.S. State department revoked British rap group Bob Vylan’s visa after a show this past weekend displayed anti-semitic messages..

Not only did the show post the violent messages on a screen behind them, they also incited the crowd to cheer, ‘Death, Death to the IDF,’ amongst other chants. The ‘IDF’ stands for ‘Israeli Defense Force,’ Israel’s primary military force. This claim of death to the Israeli soldiers prompted the U.S. to revoke the visa of Vylans. Vylans on X, posted a picture inducing the caption, ‘Silence is not an option,’ in response to the revocation of the visa.

The BBC is facing backlash after they did not pull the live stream off the air. The Director General of BBC, Tim Davie, was meeting with presenters and production staff at a festival in Somerset, England.

Davie was made aware that the network aired the performance at the festival. “At that point he was clear it should not feature in any other Glastonbury coverage,” said a BBC spokesperson. It will not be available on the network’s on demand offerings after he ordered for the presentation to be removed.

This move by the State Department comes after this administration’s pledge to combat the acceptance of people who support U.S. adversaries and their ideals. “As a reminder, under the Trump Administration, the U.S. government will not issue visas to any foreigner who supports terrorists,” said a Senior Official at the State Department. (RELATED: Checking-In on Trump’s Border Promises)

Before the IDF, it was the police.

We have uncovered footage of Bob Vylan at a performance at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool in August 2023, telling the audience: “How do you lot feel about the police? The only good pig is a dead pig.”

Before they were calling for “Death to… pic.twitter.com/nkHJ6TQm5i
— Campaign Against Antisemitism (@antisemitism) July 4, 2025

This decision mirrors Secretary Rubio’s stance on the new visa restrictions to crack down on drug trafficking and cartels. “Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close personal and business associates will not only prevent them from entering the United States, but it will serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities,” said Rubio responding to the new restrictions.

Vylan was supposed to perform on the 1st of November at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago. As of now the show is still selling tickets. There has been no statement in regards to cancelation, refund or rescheduling. (RELATED: Liberal Brewery Owner Sparks Outrage Over July 4th Protest)