BBC explains why Hozier’s speech about Palestine at Reading and Leeds was not broadcast

The BBC has said that Reading and Leeds headliner Hozier‘s set was not broadcast due to a mutual agreement between the broadcast and the Irish musician.

Performing on the main stage on Friday, August 22, the singer-songwriter gave impassioned speeches in support of Palestine Action, Kneecap, free speech and equality.

He reflected on artists who had an “instinct to tell the truth in their music” throughout history, citing icons such as Nina Simone, Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez and Ewan MacColl.

After speaking about his interest in the civil rights movement and fights for equality, he said: “Reading, at the core of it, I don’t think it’s complicated. 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?

“They wouldn’t want to see their neighbours live in fear of hatred or racism,” he added. “Wouldn’t want to see their Jewish friends live in the fear of anti-Semitism, and Muslim brothers and sisters live in the fear of Islamophobia. They want to see their members of the LGBTQ community treated with respect and dignity, and peace.”

The musician continued: “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.”

Following criticism from fans concerning the fact that his performance was not livestreamed on BBC iPlayer, the broadcaster explained itself in a statement to Metro by saying: “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.”

so it was either censor yourself or we will do it for you. we don’t stand for this. never will. here’s hozier speech as intended to be heard. pic.twitter.com/QJIBEaqr51 https://t.co/xwszJxPUna

— evie | BAILEY DAY!!!!!🧁 (@unrlunrth) August 23, 2025

This comes as the BBC says that it will no longer be broadcasting any performances it thinks may be “high risk” in the future, after they were criticised for livestreaming Bob Vylan’s set at Glastonbury 2025.

“We are being targeted for speaking up,” the UK group had commented on the situation. “We are not the first. We will not be the last. And if you care about the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up, too. Free Palestine.”