politics
UK prime minister criticises Wireless Festival booking of Kanye West
Keir Starmer said it was deeply concerning that Ye was booked for Wireless given his record of antisemitism and a song praising Nazism, prompting sponsor withdrawal and officials to condemn the booking.
Apr 5th 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the booking deeply concerning because of Kanye Wests past antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.
- Pepsi said it withdrew sponsorship of the Wireless Festival even though it remained listed on the event website.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Jewish organisations criticised Wests planned performances in London.
- West has blamed his antisemitic rants on bipolar disorder, expressed regret, and released a 2025 song titled "Heil Hitler" that was banned by major streaming platforms.
Sources
- Starmer 'deeply concerned' by Kanye West's UK festival booking news.sky.com
- Keir Starmer 'concerned' over Kanye West UK festival dates www.bbc.com
- Kanye West headlining Wireless festival is ‘deeply concerning’, says Keir Starmer www.theguardian.com
- Pepsi withdraws Wireless Festival sponsorship over Kanye West booking news.sky.com
- Pepsi withdraws Wireless Festival sponsorship after Kanye West booking news.sky.com
- Pepsi withdraws sponsorship from London festival over Kanye West’s headline performances www.independent.co.uk
- British Prime Minister criticizes London festival for booking Kanye West www.cbsnews.com
- British PM concerned over Kanye West gigs at London festival www.straitstimes.com
- Pressure mounts on Kanye West to be pulled from his headline role at a summer festival in London www.independent.co.uk
- British PM slams London music festival for booking Kanye West as sponsor Pepsi quits event www.scmp.com
- Second sponsor withdraws from UK festival after Kanye West announced as headliner news.sky.com