Bob Vylan Glastonbury chant probe DROPPED as police cite lack of evidence

"We have concluded, after reviewing all the evidence, that it does not meet the criminal threshold outlined by the CPS for any person to be prosecuted," the police stated.

Officers determined there was insufficient evidence to secure a realistic prospect of conviction against anyone involved in the incident, which took place during the band's appearance at Worthy Farm in June.

As part of their enquiries, detectives carried out a voluntary interview under caution with a man in his mid-thirties during November.

The individual, understood to be the band's frontman Bobby Vylan, whose legal name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, was notified of the decision earlier today.

Robinson-Foster had led the crowd in the controversial chants during the group's BBC-livestreamed appearance at the Somerset festival.

In their statement, the force acknowledged the significant public reaction to the incident.

"The comments made on Saturday 28 June drew widespread anger, proving that words have real-world consequences," police said.

They added: "We believe it is right this matter was comprehensively investigated, every potential criminal offence was thoroughly considered, and we sought all the advice we could to ensure we made an informed decision."

The investigation involved extensive outreach to the public, with officers speaking to around 200 individuals to establish whether anyone had been the victim of a criminal offence.

Avon and Somerset Police also consulted with other forces across the country, seeking legal precedents from cases involving similar incidents.

The performance took place on the West Holts Stage and was simultaneously broadcast to a wider audience via BBC iPlayer's live stream coverage of the festival.

The force's thorough approach to the case included consideration of every potential criminal offence that could have arisen from the comments made during the set.

Despite the comprehensive nature of the inquiry, investigators ultimately concluded the evidence gathered did not meet the threshold required by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The incident occurred during Mr Vylan's set on 28 June, when the frontman encouraged festival-goers to join in chants calling for death to the Israel Defence Forces.

The performance on the West Holts Stage reached audiences both at Worthy Farm and those watching remotely through the BBC's live streaming service on iPlayer.

The comments sparked considerable public backlash, with the force noting that the reaction demonstrated how such statements carry tangible consequences beyond the moment they are uttered.

Police emphasised their commitment to examining the matter thoroughly, ensuring that all possible offences were weighed up before reaching their final determination.

The decision brings to a close an investigation that has lasted nearly six months since the festival appearance.

Following their Glastonbury appearance, the duo faced significant professional repercussions across multiple countries.

Bob Vylan were removed from the lineup at Radar festival and had a scheduled performance at a German music venue cancelled.

The band's planned American tour was also derailed after their visas to enter the United States were revoked.

These consequences came swiftly in the wake of the controversy, with organisers and venues distancing themselves from the act in the months following the June performance.

While the criminal investigation has now concluded without prosecution, the fallout from the incident has already had a substantial impact on the band's touring schedule and festival bookings both domestically and internationally.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “We recognise the strength of public feeling about comments made during Bob Vylan’s set at Glastonbury Festival in June, particularly among the Jewish community.

“We provided early investigative advice to Avon and Somerset Police on what evidence might be needed to meet the legal test for charging but we have not been asked to make a charging decision in this case.

"A number of offences were considered which each have evidential requirements to prove but Avon and Somerset Police have concluded there is insufficient evidence for there to be any realistic prospect of conviction and will take no further action.

“We continue to work closely with police and communities to identify, charge and prosecute antisemitic hate crimes and we will always look at ways we can do more.

"We have responded to the government's hate crime review to identify where the law can be strengthened to enhance our ability to prosecute such hatred, deter offenders and achieve justice for victims.”

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