British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed alarm over Kanye West (Ye) being booked to headline London’s Wireless Festival, citing the artist’s history of antisemitic remarks and a song titled "Heil Hitler."
Pepsi said it would withdraw sponsorship, though the festival site still listed the brand; Jewish groups and Mayor Sadiq Khan have also condemned the booking. Other European dates have faced backlash, and major streaming platforms removed the controversial song.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced concern about rapper Kanye West — known professionally in recent years as Ye — being booked to headline the Wireless Festival in London this summer amid a history of antisemitic remarks and a controversial song titled "Heil Hitler." West is scheduled for a three-night run at the festival in July as part of a wider European tour.
Starmer told The Sun that it was "deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism." He added that "antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly." Jewish organisations and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have also criticised the booking since festival organisers announced the lineup on social media.
Pepsi — originally listed as the Wireless Festival's main sponsor — said it had "decided to withdraw its sponsorship," according to BBC News. However, as of Sunday the festival website still listed Pepsi MAX as a headline partner, with copy celebrating their long-standing relationship. PepsiCo, the parent company, had not immediately responded to AFP's request for comment.
Other stops on West's European tour have drawn criticism too: the mayor of Marseille said the artist was "not welcome" for a planned concert there in June. In May 2025, West released a track titled "Heil Hitler," timed by the artist to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany; major streaming platforms removed or blocked the song.
West has publicly expressed regret for his antisemitic outbursts and has at times attributed some of his behaviour to living with bipolar disorder. His comments and actions have prompted sustained public debate about platforming artists whose speech or work is widely condemned.
Context: The Wireless Festival is a high-profile annual rap and R&B event in London. The situation raises questions about festival responsibilities, sponsorship decisions and how the music industry responds to allegations of hate speech.
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