BBC shares statement after Hozier's poignant Palestine speech was cut from broadcast

The BBC has spoken out about Hozier’s performanceat Reading Festival and explained the reason behind his performance not being broadcast. The Reading and Leeds headliner reportedly had an agreement with the broadcaster for his performance to not be shown on iPlayer.

Hozier took to the main stage on August 22 with a performance that went far beyond the music, using his platform to deliver a passionate speech on topics close to his heart, including support for Palestine, rap group Kneecap and equality.

Kicking things off, he reflected on artists throughout history who have used music as a way to deliver speeches, name-checking icons such as Nina Simone, Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez and Ewan MacColl.

He went on to say: “I think people want to see human beings live in peace and safety, and security. I think that people would want to see that for their neighbours. They would want to see that for members of their community. I believe that people would want to see people they don’t know live with peace and safety, and security. Am I right?” It comes as Katie releases a statement after Alex Reid leaks bombshell cash counting video

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The musician added: “Safety and security for everybody in the Middle East means seeing a Palestine that’s free from occupation, that’s free from these cycles of genocide and violence, and it means seeing a Palestine that’s free to move towards meaningful self-determination and statehood.”

While many artists were livestreamed onto BBC iPlayer, Hozier was not and many fans were left disappointed. The BBC has responded to the criticism and explained in a statement to The Metro why Hozier’s set was not broadcast.

The statement read: “Viewers can enjoy a wide range of performances and highlights from Reading and Leeds Festival on BBC iPlayer, BBC Music’s YouTube channel, BBC One and Radio 1. As mutually agreed ahead of Reading Festival, Hozier chose not to be included in the BBC’s coverage.”

The performance follows after the BBC said it will no longer be broadcasting any performances it thinks may be “high risk” in the future, after backlash over livestreaming Bob Vylan’s set at Glastonbury.

The group performed on the West Holts Stage at Worthy Farm, with their set being live-streamed as they performed ahead of Kneecap's set. The band started the chant: "Death to the IDF" and "Free Palestine."

The BBC have since said they regret not stepping in to halt its broadcast sooner. In a statement, the corporation said: "We fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan's live appearance at Glastonbury on the BBC.

“"We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.”

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