The BBC is facing backlash after airing footage of rapper Loyle Carner's performance at Reading Festival, which included explicit anti-Nigel Farage and pro-Palestine statements. A recording of the set was uploaded to BBC iPlayer, with the corporation describing the performance as "poignant" and "uplifting."
During his Sunday set, Carner, one of the festival's highly anticipated acts, rapped the line "f*** Nigel Farage and free Palestine," which was met with cheers from the audience. The BBC provided two warnings on the video for "strong" and "discriminatory" language but did not offer specific commentary on the reference to Farage. Some viewers expressed their dissatisfaction online, with one commenting on X that the BBC should become an independent subscription broadcaster to avoid forcing viewers to fund biased content. Another suggested defunding the BBC in response to the description of the performance.
This incident follows a similar controversy last year when the BBC livestreamed a set by punk duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, during which the band chanted "death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)."
Carner has a history of criticizing political figures. Last year at Glastonbury, he publicly stated "f*** Nigel Farage, man, I'm sorry." He also used his 2019 Glastonbury set to voice his dislike for former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, saying "f*** that guy." Additionally, Carner has commented on the author J.K. Rowling, stating, "I don't really like JK Rowling." He has previously expressed strong criticism of Farage and the Reform UK party, stating in February that he "hates Nigel Farage." Carner, born Benjamin Gerard Coyle-Larner, has also used his platform to raise awareness for issues such as male suicide and ran a cooking school for children with ADHD.
Also performing over the weekend, Northern Irish rap group Kneecap used their headline slot at Reading to criticize Prime Minister Andy Burnham and also expressed solidarity with Palestine. The band members called Burnham "a w*****" after he ruled out a referendum on a United Ireland. They also said "f*** Benjamin Netanyahu" while a Palestinian flag was displayed. Band member Mo Chara stated it was important for them to use their platform for what they believe is right, expressing solidarity with people in Palestine and drawing parallels to Irish experiences of displacement and colonialism.
The BBC stated that it provided extensive coverage of the Reading Festival, featuring a wide range of artists, and that the content aligns with editorial guidelines and audience expectations.