Police have closed their criminal investigation into the rap punk duo Bob Vylan over chants made during their Glastonbury Festival performance, stating there is insufficient evidence for any prosecution.
Investigation Concluded Without Charges
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Tuesday that no further action will be taken against the artist, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster. The decision follows a detailed probe into the incident on the festival's West Holts stage on Saturday 28 June.
The investigation was launched after Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants of "death, death to the IDF", a reference to the Israel Defense Forces. The comments sparked significant public anger and prompted a formal police inquiry, with a senior detective appointed to lead it.
Legal Threshold Not Met
In a statement, the force explained its rationale: "No further action will be taken on the basis there is insufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction." They emphasised that the matter was comprehensively investigated, with every potential criminal offence thoroughly considered.
Last month, as part of the inquiry, a man in his mid-30s was interviewed under caution in connection with the on-stage comments. He was not formally arrested. The individual, who was not named by police, was informed of the outcome this week.
CPS Advice and Wider Context
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) provided early investigative advice to officers in July regarding the evidence required to meet the legal test for charging. A CPS spokesperson acknowledged the strength of public feeling, particularly within the Jewish community, but confirmed they were not asked to make a final charging decision.
This outcome follows a similar decision by the Metropolitan Police last month, which closed its own investigation into a separate Bob Vylan gig at Alexandra Palace in May after seeking CPS advice.
Furthermore, in September, the BBC partly upheld complaints concerning its decision to stream the duo's Glastonbury performance, indicating the ongoing sensitivity and debate surrounding the incident.
Avon and Somerset Police defended the decision to investigate, stating: "We believe it is right that this matter was comprehensively investigated... to ensure we made an informed decision."
