by: The Washington Eye

At this year’s Glastonbury Festival held at Worthy Farm in Somerset, UK, the politically outspoken punk-rap duo Bob Vylan sparked a wave of both condemnation and celebration after frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chanting “Death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israeli Defense Forces. The controversial moment took place on 28th June, 2025, Saturday evening at the West Holts stage and was broadcast live on BBC platforms, prompting immediate backlash from festival organizers, British politicians, and the Israeli Embassy. However, it also garnered immense praise from pro-Palestinian supporters within the crowd and around the world, igniting a fresh debate over freedom of expression and political activism in art.

Bob Vylan, a London-based duo made up of vocalist Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, are well known for their fusion of punk and grime and for delivering bold, politically charged messages through their music. Their set ended with strong support for Palestine, with messages like “The UN calls it a genocide. The BBC calls it a conflict” displayed on stage screens. As Bobby Vylan urged the crowd to chant against the Israeli military, the atmosphere turned electric. Thousands of festivalgoers cheered and echoed the slogans, many waving Palestinian flags and raising their fists in support. Online, the moment went viral, with hashtags like #FreePalestine and #BobVylan trending on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. One festival attendee commented that it was “uncomfortable but necessary,” and others praised the band for speaking out when many others remain silent.

In contrast, Glastonbury’s organizers were swift and firm in their response. In an official statement, they expressed being “appalled” and stated that there is no place at the festival for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence. The BBC, which aired the performance live, soon removed it from its iPlayer platform and displayed a warning on screen about “very strong and discriminatory language” during the broadcast. The incident drew widespread political condemnation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the chant “appalling hate speech,” while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded an explanation from BBC Director General Tim Davie on how such language was allowed to air live. Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed similar views, calling for both the BBC and Glastonbury to take accountability.

The Israeli Embassy in London issued a statement expressing that it was “deeply disturbed” by the rhetoric, labeling it “inflammatory” and an incitement to violence. It emphasized that such slogans not only target Israeli soldiers but are a threat to the state’s existence and safety. Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that they are reviewing the footage to determine if Bob Vylan’s actions fall under hate speech or criminal incitement.

Despite the political fallout, public reaction remained sharply divided. Many praised Bob Vylan for their courage, describing their stance as a necessary act of resistance in the face of global injustice. Videos from the performance show a visibly emotional crowd chanting in unison and embracing the pro-Palestinian message. Supporters argue that artists should not be silenced for opposing what they perceive as state-sponsored violence and military oppression. One attendee stated, “Bob Vylan said what millions of us feel. Silence is violence.” Activist groups hailed the moment as a victory for free speech and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Bob Vylan was not the only act to speak out. The Irish-language rap group Kneecap also led pro-Palestinian chants during their set, despite controversy over one member’s legal issues in Northern Ireland. British-Pakistani singer Nadine Shah read a powerful open letter criticizing UK complicity in the Gaza war, further reinforcing the political tone of the festival. Folk singer Billy Bragg defended the performances, saying Glastonbury has always been a space for challenging power and speaking uncomfortable truths.

As Glastonbury wraps up, the fallout from Bob Vylan’s chant continues to ripple across media, politics, and public discourse. The incident has reignited long-standing debates over the limits of artistic expression, the fine line between protest and hate speech, and the role of cultural platforms in political advocacy. Whether viewed as a dangerous incitement or a bold act of resistance, Bob Vylan’s performance ensured that this year’s festival will be remembered not just for its music, but for igniting a fierce global conversation on Palestine, power, and free speech.

by: The Washington Eye
Nearly eight months after the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, fresh developments have emerged in the investigation, with a key doctor now agreeing to plead guilty in the ketamine overdose case that shocked Hollywood and Perry’s global fanbase. Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed that the 54-year-old star died due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” with drowning listed as the secondary cause. Other substances, including buprenorphine and evidence of heart disease, were also noted as contributing factors.

In the months that followed, a federal investigation revealed that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy as part of his mental health treatment, aimed at combating depression and anxiety. However, investigators say he began sourcing ketamine outside the legal framework when his regular doctor refused to escalate the dosage. Prosecutors say Perry was introduced to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician affiliated with Malibu Canyon Urgent Care, who allegedly provided the actor with multiple vials of ketamine over several visits. These drugs were administered both by Dr. Plasencia himself and Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who was trained by the doctor to inject the substance at home.

Just two weeks before his death, on October 12, Plasencia administered a strong dose of ketamine to Perry that caused his blood pressure and pulse to spike alarmingly. Despite this concerning reaction, the doctor left additional vials of the drug in Perry’s home, allegedly instructing Iwamasa to continue the injections. On October 28, 2023, Perry was discovered unconscious and later pronounced dead. The autopsy revealed that ketamine played a central role in the fatal overdose, and investigators traced the drugs back to multiple sources.

Federal prosecutors eventually charged five individuals connected to Perry’s death: Dr. Plasencia; Dr. Mark Chavez; Kenneth Iwamasa; Erik Fleming, a supplier; and Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “Ketamine Queen,” who allegedly managed a black-market supply network. In August 2024, Iwamasa and Fleming both pleaded guilty to conspiracy and drug distribution charges. Fleming was specifically accused of providing the exact dose that caused Perry’s death. In October 2024, Dr. Mark Chavez also pleaded guilty for his role in the unauthorized supply chain.

Most recently, on June 16, 2025, Dr. Salvador Plasencia agreed to plead guilty to four felony counts of ketamine distribution. As part of the plea agreement, Plasencia admitted that he failed to conduct proper medical evaluations, falsified patient records, and charged excessive amounts—up to \$2,000 per vial—for the drug. While the charges carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, legal experts suggest his sentence could be significantly reduced, potentially ranging from 15 to 21 months under the terms of the plea deal. The sentencing phase is expected to take place in the coming months.

The only remaining defendant who has not entered a guilty plea is Jasveen Sangha, who has pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025 and is expected to further unravel the dark web of drug misuse, celebrity privilege, and lax oversight that led to Perry’s untimely death.

Matthew Perry had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health. In 2022, he released a memoir that candidly discussed his journey through addiction and recovery. His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and reignited discussions about the dangers of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic increasingly used in mental health therapy. Following his passing, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established to help others battling addiction.

This tragic case has become a cautionary tale about the misuse of medical treatments and the blurred lines between legal therapy and dangerous experimentation. It has prompted renewed calls for regulatory reform in how ketamine is prescribed and administered, especially in private settings without adequate oversight. As the legal proceedings move forward and sentencing dates approach, Perry’s legacy as both an actor and an advocate for recovery continues to resonate with millions worldwide.

The Final Destination franchise has made a triumphant return with its sixth installment, *Final Destination: Bloodlines, captivating audiences worldwide and sparking renewed interest in the series. Released on May 16, 2025, the film has not only achieved impressive box office numbers but also reignited enthusiasm across streaming platforms and social media.

Final Destination: Bloodlines has grossed $94.6 million in the United States and Canada, and $92.5 million in other territories, totaling $187.1 million worldwide.  This marks the highest opening weekend in the franchise’s history, surpassing the previous record held by The Final Destination (2009), which debuted with $27.4 million.

The film’s release has also led to a surge in streaming of the earlier Final Destination movies. On HBO Max, multiple entries from the franchise have climbed into the Top 10 movies list, reflecting a renewed interest in the series’ unique blend of suspense and horror.

The trailer for Bloodlines garnered over 178.7 million global views within 24 hours of its release, making it the second most-watched horror trailer of all time, just behind It.  Fans have taken to social media to share their excitement, with many praising the film’s inventive death sequences and its ability to stay true to the franchise’s roots while introducing fresh elements.

In a bizarre twist that echoes the franchise’s themes, a real-life incident occurred during a screening of Bloodlines in La Plata, Argentina. A portion of the theater’s ceiling collapsed, injuring a 29-year-old woman who was celebrating her birthday. She initially mistook the loud noise for part of the film before realizing the severity of the situation. The incident has drawn eerie parallels to the movie’s plot, where characters escape death only to face unforeseen fatal consequences.

Critics have responded positively to Bloodlines, with many considering it one of the best entries in the series. The film has been lauded for its clever set pieces and its ability to balance horror with moments of levity. Notably, the movie features a performance by Tony Todd, who reprises his role in what is considered a poignant farewell to the character.

The resurgence of the Final Destination franchise with Bloodlines demonstrates the enduring appeal of its unique premise and inventive storytelling. With strong box office numbers, increased streaming activity, and a buzzworthy presence on social media, the film has successfully reignited interest in the series, paving the way for potential future installments.