Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates
UK Leaders Express Concern Over Kanye West’s Festival Appearance
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, has raised alarms about Kanye West’s upcoming performance at the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The rapper, now known as Ye, has faced backlash for his antisemitic statements in recent years, which he later apologized for in January. Starmer, in remarks shared by the Sun on Sunday, highlighted that West was chosen to headline the event “despite his history of antisemitic remarks and his earlier celebration of Nazi imagery.”
Pepsi Withdraws Sponsorship Amid Controversy
The festival’s headline sponsor, Pepsi, has confirmed it will no longer support the three-day event. Starmer emphasized that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be addressed firmly wherever it occurs,” adding that the UK should remain a safe space for Jewish communities. The Wireless Festival, marketed as “Pepsi presents Wireless,” still listed Pepsi MAX as its partner on its website as of Sunday lunchtime.
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” West wrote in a January statement. “Bipolar disorder means when you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state.”
Historical Apologies and Public Backlash
West’s antisemitic remarks have sparked ongoing debates. In November 2025, he reportedly met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto to apologize for past comments. Earlier that year, he had declared himself a Nazi, retracting an earlier apology, and sold swastika-themed T-shirts online. His 2022 X account bans followed offensive posts linking the swastika to the Star of David and calling for “death con 3” on Jewish people.
Recent Appearances and Chart Success
Despite the controversy, West is set to headline all three days of the Wireless Festival, which will feature his “most iconic records” from July 10 to 12. His latest album, Bully, released in March, includes three tracks within the UK’s top 100 singles chart. The Board of Deputies of British Jews, representing the country’s Jewish community, urged BBC Newsnight to block West’s entry, citing his past actions as offensive.
Global Reactions and UK Context
West’s 2023 ban in Australia followed the release of his “Heil Hitler” song, which glorified the Nazi leader. Similarly, he faced criticism for wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt at Paris fashion week, prompting Adidas to sever ties. While the Home Office has not yet received a formal application for his UK entry, the London Mayor’s office stated: “We are clear that this artist’s past comments and actions are offensive and not reflective of London’s values.” Festival Republic, the organizers, have not yet responded to inquiries.