Rahman Lowe Solicitors successfully secure apology and substantial damages for musician Pascal Robinson of Bob Vylan following defamatory article by Reach plc

Date: 7 November 2025

Rahman Lowe Solicitors have secured a full apology and substantial damages on behalf of Pascal Robinson, one half of the award-winning punk duo Bob Vylan, following the publication of a defamatory article by Reach plc, publishers of the Manchester Evening News (MEN).

Bob Vylan are an English punk rap duo based in London. Their work merges elements of punk rock, hip hop, grime, and hardcore, and features criticisms of the British establishment, inequality, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Bob Vylan hit the headlines following their appearance at Glastonbury in June 2025.

The article, published on 6 October 2025 under the headline “Jewish leaders and MPs ‘deeply concerned’ over Bob Vylan gig in Manchester”, falsely stated that Mr Robinson had “performed Nazi salutes on stage” whilst performing for Bob Vylan. This allegation is entirely false. In reality, Bob Vylan open every performance with a guided light stretching and meditation routine, which is clearly introduced to the audience, who are invited and encouraged to participate. As part of this practice, Mr Pascal and his bandmate raise their left arm directly upward toward the sky in a reaching motion, a sun salutation, while placing their right hand over their heart. The movement is performed while facing each of the four corners of the room, symbolically connecting with the entire audience. It bears no resemblance in form, intention, or context to any fascist salute. This ritual has been an integral part of Bob Vylan’s live performances for several years.

As part of the settlement, Reach plc has published a full correction and apology on the Manchester Evening News website and its official X (formerly Twitter) account, accepting that Mr Robinson was not performing Nazi salutes.

Reach plc has also agreed to pay Mr Robinson substantial damages and his legal costs and has undertaken not to repeat the allegation. The following apology has been published by Manchester Evening News:

“Our article “Jewish leaders and MPs ‘deeply concerned’ over Bob Vylan gig in Manchester” (October 6) 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”.

The full apology can be viewed on the Manchester Evening News website at: Bob Vylan: A correction – Manchester Evening News

Zillur Rahman for Rahman Lowe Solicitors said:

“This was an extremely serious and damaging 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, at a time when many ignored the crimes of the IDF. We are pleased that Reach plc has now accepted this was untrue, publicly corrected the record, apologised to our client, and paid substantial damages”.

Pascal Robinson of Bob Vylan said:

“To have something rooted in mindfulness, peace and connection distorted into a symbol of hate was both painful and outrageous. 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 are grateful to our legal team at Rahman Lowe for defending our integrity and setting the record straight. The truth matters, and we’re glad it’s now been recognised. Now that this matter has been resolved, we are looking forward to concentrating on our current UK tour.”

Media Enquiries

All media enquiries should be directed to Jahad Rahman on 07956 450814 or jrahman@rllaw.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR: Rahman Lowe Solicitors is a specialist employment, discrimination, professional discipline and defamation law firm. Our extensive experience of acting in complex high-profile defamation claims  means that we are particularly well placed to advise clients on reputation management, media and privacy issues.

For further information or to discuss a potential claim, please contact us on 020 3950 5234 or info@rllaw.co.uk. We are ranked as a ‘Leading Firm’ in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners independent guides to the UK Legal Profession.