Starmer Calls Kanye West Festival Booking 'Deeply Concerning'
Starmer Calls Kanye West Festival Booking 'Deeply Concerning'
Britain's PM Keir Starmer says Kanye West's Wireless Festival headlining is deeply concerning amid past antisemitic remarks, as Pepsi withdraws sponsorship.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said it is deeply concerning that Kanye West, now known as Ye, is set to headline Wireless Festival in London this summer. West has drawn widespread criticism for antisemitic comments he has made in recent years, for which he issued an apology in January.
The festival's headline sponsor Pepsi has confirmed that it has withdrawn its sponsorship of the three-day event, which is marketed as Pepsi presents Wireless. As of Sunday lunchtime, the festival website still described Pepsi MAX as a long-standing partner, highlighting the tension between the brand and the ongoing controversy.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey argued that the government should block West from entering the UK, describing the planned appearance as extremely serious. BBC News understands the Home Office has not yet received an application for West to enter the country.
West, who has previously faced international backlash, has a history that includes being blocked from entering Australia last year after releasing a song titled Heil Hitler, declaring himself a Nazi earlier in the year, and selling swastika-emblazoned T-shirts on his clothing site. These episodes have intensified the debate over antisemitism, accountability, and the responsibilities of event organizers and sponsors.
The unfolding controversy underscores broader tensions around celebrity influence, public safety for Jewish communities, and how sponsors respond to offensive rhetoric in the arts and entertainment sphere. As stakeholders weigh the implications for the festival and the UK debate on antisemitism, the conversation shows no sign of easing anytime soon.
