Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates
Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has voiced worries about Kanye West’s participation in the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The rapper, now known as Ye, has faced significant backlash for his antisemitic statements in recent years, which he later apologized for in January. Starmer stated, in remarks initially reported by the Sun on Sunday, that West was chosen “despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.”
Pepsi Withdraws Sponsorship
Following Starmer’s comments, the festival’s headline sponsor Pepsi announced it would “decide to withdraw its sponsorship” of the three-day event. Starmer emphasized that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” adding that “everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”
Political Reactions
The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, called for a ban on West entering the UK, stating that the government should “get tougher on antisemitism” and that West’s appearance is “extremely serious.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to “do everything we can to stop the rise in hatred of Jewish people.” She argued that “not platforming people who make antisemitic statements” is essential.
Reform UK’s Nigel Farage took a more personal stance, saying “Personally I wouldn’t buy a ticket.” Meanwhile, the Home Office has not yet processed West’s entry application, according to BBC News.
Past Controversies
Kanye West’s history of controversial remarks includes his 2022 ban on social media for posts linking a swastika to the Star of David and promoting “death con 3” against Jewish people. He also faced criticism for wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt during Paris fashion week, leading to his departure from Adidas. Earlier this year, he declared himself a Nazi, retracting a prior apology for antisemitic comments.
In November 2025, West reportedly met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yoseph Pinto to apologize for his past remarks. He later published a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal in January, stating he is “not a Nazi or an antisemite” and that his bipolar disorder caused him to “lose touch with reality” during his manic episodes.
Festival Details
Wireless Festival, set to run from 10 to 12 July, will feature West as its headliner for all three days. The event is marketed as “a three-night journey through his most iconic records.” However, the festival’s website still listed Pepsi MAX as a “long-standing partner” at the time of the report.
Earlier this week, the Board of Deputies of British Jews urged BBC Newsnight to block West’s entry, citing his offensive actions. A spokesperson for London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan confirmed the artist’s past comments were “offensive and wrong,” though the decision to sponsor the event was made by the festival organizers.
Historical Context
Last year, West was barred from entering Australia after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” which praised the Nazi leader. His latest album, *Bully*, released in March, includes three tracks in the UK’s top 100 singles chart. Despite his recent apologies, West has not performed in the UK since 2015, when he headlined Glastonbury.
Festival Republic, the organizers of Wireless, and West’s representatives have yet to comment on the situation. The event’s branding as “Pepsi presents Wireless” has become a focal point of the controversy, highlighting the clash between the sponsor’s support and public criticism of the rapper’s remarks.
