Wireless Festival has come under fire after announcing Kanye West as its headline act for this summer, with critics citing his past antisemitic remarks.
West, who now uses the name Ye professionally, has sparked repeated controversy in recent years for antisemitic comments. In 2024, a former employee also filed a lawsuit alleging the artist made remarks about them and their religion.
The employee alleged the rapper referred to himself as a Nazi, compared himself to Adolf Hitler, and called her “ugly” in a string of text messages sent in 2024.
West has also faced condemnation for selling t-shirts featuring swastikas online, and for using Nazi imagery in artwork connected to his 2025 single ‘Heil Hilter’.
In January, he published a lengthy public apology in an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal.
“I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst. You endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to have someone who was, at times, unrecognizable. Looking back, I became detached from my true self.”
He attributed much of his conduct to bipolar disorder, which he previously said he was diagnosed with in 2016.
Despite his attempt to make amends, many people say they are unwilling to move past his actions and statements, and some companies have sought to distance themselves from him.
Following the announcement that West will headline London’s Wireless Festival, multiple brands have reportedly ended or reconsidered their sponsorship arrangements.
Pepsi, previously listed as the event’s main sponsor, has now cut ties with the festival.
Diageo, the company behind drinks brands including Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, also confirmed to the Press Association on Sunday evening (April 5) that it has withdrawn.
“We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless Festival.”
Sky News has also reported that Rockstar Energy has pulled its sponsorship.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also criticised the decision, describing it as “deeply concerning” that West is on the bill.
“It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.
“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure.”
Since the festival’s announcement, calls have also grown for the artist to be barred from entering the UK.
LADbible Group has approached Wireless Festival and reps for West for comment.
If you are the victim of an antisemitic incident or you have information regarding an antisemitic incident that happened to somebody else, contact the Stand With Us Number on 310 836 6140. In an emergency, always call 911.