Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Kanye West made many antisemitic statements and released a song last year titled “Heil Hitler.”
By Shula Rosen
Major sponsors have pulled out of London’s Wireless Festival after US rapper Kanye West was announced as a headline act, drawing criticism from political leaders and Jewish groups over his record of antisemitic remarks.
The fallout quickly spread beyond corporate partners. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism,” adding that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly.”
Jewish organizations also pressed for action. The Campaign Against Antisemitism urged authorities not to be a “bystander” and argued that West could be barred from entering the country as a non-citizen whose presence is not “conducive to the public good.”
The withdrawals by sponsors marked the first concrete impact on the event. Pepsi, previously the festival’s top sponsor, said it “has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival,” without elaborating.
Diageo, whose brands Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan had been linked to the event, also stepped back, saying, “We have informed the organizers of our concerns, and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless Festival.”
West, now known as Ye, is scheduled to perform three nights at the London festival in July as part of a European comeback tour.
His planned appearances have faced resistance elsewhere, including in France, where the mayor of Marseille said the rapper was “not welcome” ahead of a June show.
Efforts to secure additional venues have also run into obstacles.
According to the Daily Mail, West’s team approached Tottenham Hotspur Football Club about hosting concerts at its stadium, but the proposal was rejected.
The controversy follows a series of incidents that have defined West’s recent public profile.
He has drawn widespread backlash over antisemitic statements and actions, including promoting swastika-themed merchandise and releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” which was removed by major streaming platforms.
Despite the criticism, West recently sold out a major performance at SoFi Stadium in Southern California, his first large US concert in nearly five years, and released his latest album, “Bully,” at the end of March under both the names Ye and Kanye West.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
