The duo – whose politically charged shows have become a staple of the UK alternative scene – performed at Dublin’s Vicar Street last month. But controversy has followed since their appearance on Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage in June, where Robinson-Foster led a chant of “death, death, to the IDF”. The moment was captured in the BBC’s live stream and later drew criticism from festival organiser Emily Eavis, the BBC, and political commentators.

Legal Action Filed in Ireland’s High Court

According to court filings on Monday, Phoenix Law has initiated proceedings on behalf of Robinson-Foster and drummer Wade Laurence George, arguing that RTÉ’s reporting crossed a defamatory line.

“The proceedings arise from a broadcast aired by RTÉ News… alleging that the lead singer of Bob Vylan led antisemitic chants,” Phoenix Law said. “These allegations are categorically denied by our clients and are entirely untrue.”

The band’s legal team maintain that the chant targeted Israeli military forces—not Jewish people—and sits within the realm of political speech. “There is a fundamental distinction between speaking critically about the role of Israeli state forces and being antisemitic,” solicitor Darragh Mackin explained. “The former is political expression; the latter is hatred directed towards Jewish people.”

Phoenix Law added that Bob Vylan have consistently voiced support for Palestinian self-determination and opposition to military actions by the IDF, while rejecting any implication of bigotry.

Wider Fallout From the Glastonbury Performance

The dispute forms part of a broader wave of fallout. In the immediate aftermath of the festival, the BBC apologised, including to the Jewish community, for not cutting the live stream – and has since pledged not to broadcast “high-risk” acts live. Ofcom later urged the BBC to strengthen its handling of editorial controversies.

Meanwhile, police investigations have intermittently surrounded the band. The Metropolitan Police confirmed in November it would take no further action over chants made at a London show in May. In Somerset, Avon and Somerset Police said Robinson-Foster—reportedly a man in his 30s who attended voluntarily – has been interviewed regarding the Glastonbury incident, with enquiries ongoing.

The international response has been stark: the US government condemned the chant as a “hateful tirade” and revoked the duo’s visas, prompting several festivals to cancel future bookings.

Yet despite the pressure, Robinson-Foster has repeatedly defended his words. Speaking to Louis Theroux in October, he said he had no regrets and “would do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays.”

A Band Unafraid to Confront Power

Bob Vylan, known for their fusion of punk abrasion and anti-establishment lyricism, have long positioned their work as a challenge to state power and systemic violence. Their fight with RTÉ now adds another chapter to a career defined by confrontation – and raises complex questions about artistic expression, political speech, and media responsibility amid an ongoing global conversation about Palestine and Israel.

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