BBC's music chief 'steps back from duties' in row

THE BBC's director of music Lorna Clarke has stepped back from her day-to-day duties after controversy over the broadcaster's decision to show punk duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury Festival set live, according to reports in The Times.

- CASEY COOPER-FISKE

It comes after singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, led crowds in chants of “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” during their set last Saturday afternoon.

In a statement on Thursday, the BBC admitted it had assessed the Ipswich-formed act as “high risk” before Glastonbury but deemed them suitable for live streaming before later saying this was “clearly not the case”, and apologising for the group’s “deplorable behaviour”.

BBC STATEMENT

Clarke is reported to have stepped back from her responsibilities, which include overseeing six radio networks and live music events, while an investigation takes place, while a small group of senior BBC staff responsible for music and live events are also said to have stepped back.

Following the incident, the BBC confirmed it would no longer live stream acts it deems “high risk”.