Glastonbury performer urges BBC to remove footage after being flooded with abuse

24 June 2023 , 10:04

608     0

Glastonbury performer Billy NoMates made a public plea with the BBC after they were cruelly abused (Image: PA)

Glastonbury performer Billy Nomates has urged BBC 6 Music to remove footage from her performance at the Worthy Farm festival after being hit with a wave of cruel abuse online.

The 33-year-old musician and songwriter, who's real name is Tor Maries, took to the festival's Park Stage in Friday afternoon – and clips of her gig were later shared on BBC Radio 6's social media channels.

She took to the stage solo and performed without a band, which appears to have been the focus of the criticism online.

However, after receiving a wave of abuse, the musician made a public plea for the station to remove the footage and said they no longer perform after fulfilling their dates already scheduled this summer.

Writing on a post on her Instagram story before deleting her profile, Billy Nomates urged: "The level of personal abuse on @bbc6muic socials for goin to work today is insane.

Blondie accidentally confirm Glastonbury lineup place after letting secret slip

"I've asked for all footage to be removed.

(Twitter)

Billy Bragg was amongst those who flooded praise on the musician (Ian Gavan)

"I know it's not for everyone what I do. I know lots of people.dont rate me. But the level of personal abuse on the public page is too much.

"there will be no more shows after this summer. You wouldn't stay in a workplace that didd this to you. Why should I."

The radio station appears to have deleted the videos of the performer's gig from their social media channels.

A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: "We want 6 Music to be a place where brilliant artists such as Billy Nomates are celebrated and supported, and we have respected Tor’s request to have the clip posted on our social channels removed."

Following on from their post, the performer has been flooded with support from fellow musicians and fans.

Billy Bragg tweeted: "Solidarity from everyone at Left Field with Billy No Mates who was so badly abused online after her @glastonbury set was posted on @BBC6Music that she asked them to take the clip down.

"She played a set for us last year and was brilliant. You’ll always have place here Tor".

The singer vowed to step away from performing after the cruel abuse (Redferns)

While producer The Anchoress added: "Glastonbury should have been a career highlight for the fabulous Billy Nomates but instead toxic and misogynistic online culture ruins everything and she’s asked them to remove footage of her incredible set.

"And we wonder why we have no female headliners…"

Melanie C shuts down speculation Spice Girls will headline Glastonbury

And radio DJ Edith Bowman penned: "I adore @_billy_nomates a huge talent and stands out because she’s true to herself.. amazing Glasto set.. xx"

And a fan wrote: "Billy Nomates (Tor Maries) is one of our very best artists - someone who deserves a Mercury Prize nomination next month for CACTI. Her performance was fantastic!

"Too angry to write...but it is clear there is widespread misogyny and sexism. Something needs to change right now".

Another added: "#BillyNoMates please please don’t quit what you do, you’re a beautiful artist.

"The world needs to see your art. Just like Kate Bush and Bowie - artists that were a little bit different that the world needed to see. If plebs don’t get ART then f**k them."

And another insisted: "nothing but love and respect for @_billy_nomates.

" It takes a lot of balls to get up in front of that many people with no one else behind you."

Amy Denman