British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized London's Wireless Festival for booking rapper Kanye West due to his history of antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. According to multiple reports, Starmer called the decision 'deeply concerning' and emphasized that antisemitism must be confronted firmly.
Key Takeaways
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized London's Wireless Festival for booking rapper Kanye West due to his history of antisemitic remarks. Major sponsors have withdrawn support as ministers review whether to allow West into the UK.
- Prime Minister calls festival decision 'deeply concerning'
- Ministers reviewing entry permit for Kanye West
- Sponsors Pepsi, Diageo, Rockstar Energy, and PayPal withdraw from Wireless Festival
- Campaign Against Antisemitism urges ban on West's entry to the UK
- Festival organizer defends booking, calls for forgiveness
The festival is scheduled to take place in London's Finsbury Park this July, with West set to headline all three nights. As reported by Sky News, ministers are currently reviewing whether to allow West into the UK. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has urged for West to be banned from entering the country, citing his past actions including a song titled 'Heil Hitler' released in May 2025.
Major sponsors have withdrawn their support following the criticism. Pepsi, Diageo (owner of Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan), Rockstar Energy, and PayPal have all announced they will not sponsor future editions of the festival. According to The Guardian, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described West's remarks as 'completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting'.
The pressure on Wireless Festival organizers comes amid growing criticism from Jewish organizations and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Sky News noted that West has expressed regret over his antisemitic remarks, attributing them to bipolar disorder. The Conservative Party has also urged the government to refuse West entry to the UK.
Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, defended the decision to book Kanye West as the headline act and called for the public to 'forgive' the controversial rapper. According to Sky News, Benn described West's previous comments as 'abhorrent' but emphasized that West would only be performing and not given a platform to voice any opinions. Benn also shared his personal commitment to anti-fascism and support for both Jewish and Palestinian states.
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