Nadine Osman
Pascal Robinson, the frontman of the award-winning punk duo Bob Vylan, has received a full public apology and substantial damages from the Manchester Evening News (MEN) after the outlet falsely accused him of performing Nazi salutes, in a case his legal team linked directly to the backlash over the band’s pro-Palestine activism.
The defamatory claim was published amidst heightened scrutiny of the band, who faced a police investigation and show cancellations after Robinson led a chant of “death to the IDF” during their Glastonbury 2025 set. The MEN article, dated October 6 and headlined “Jewish leaders and MPs ‘deeply concerned’ over Bob Vylan gig in Manchester,” alleged Robinson had “performed Nazi salutes on stage.”
This accusation was described by his legal representatives at Rahman Lowe Solicitors as “extremely serious and damaging.” In a statement, solicitor Zillur Rahman contextualised the error, noting, “This was a grossly irresponsible allegation… falsely suggesting that an artist whose entire career is rooted in anti-racism and social justice was performing a Nazi salute. In fact, our client merely drew attention to the genocide in Gaza.”
In reality, the gesture was a sun salutation, an established part of the band’s pre-show ritual. This practice involves a guided period of light stretching and meditation, during which Robinson raises his left arm skyward while placing his right hand over his heart, turning to face all four corners of the venue. A staple of Bob Vylan’s live performances for years, the routine is rooted in themes of mindfulness and inclusivity.
Following legal action, Reach plc, the publisher of the MEN, has now issued a full correction and apology on its website and official social media channels. The publisher has acknowledged the gesture was a sun salutation, paid substantial damages, covered Robinson’s legal costs, and committed to never repeating the allegation.
The published apology states, “Our article… included a statement that the band Bob Vylan had ‘performed Nazi salutes on stage’. The band’s singer, Pascal Robinson, has informed us – and we accept – that the gesture in question was in fact a sun salutation, performed by him as part of ‘guided light stretching and meditation’ at the start of all Bob Vylan shows. We are happy to correct the record and apologise to Mr Robinson, and Bob Vylan, for the error.”
Speaking after the settlement, Robinson expressed his outrage at the mischaracterisation. “To have something rooted in mindfulness, peace and connection distorted into a symbol of hate was both painful and outrageous,” he said. “Our art has always stood against oppression in all its forms, racism, fascism, and discrimination, and we will never stop using our platform to speak truth to power. We’re grateful to Rahman Lowe for defending our integrity. The truth matters, and we’re glad it’s now been recognised.”
The band, known for merging punk, grime, and hip-hop into a fierce commentary on inequality, continues its UK tour, having recently rescheduled the Manchester and Leeds dates following political pressure.
Feature photo: Bob Vylan frontman Pascal Robinson pictured with his legal team, Jahad Rahman and Zillur Rahman of Rahman Lowe Solicitors, after securing an apology and damages. (Credit: Rahman Lowe Solicitors)
