Major sponsors withdraw from Wireless Festival following controversy over Kanye West headlining

Two major global brands, Pepsi and Diageo, have pulled their sponsorship of the Wireless Festival after the announcement that Kanye West, also known as Ye, would headline the event this July in London’s Finsbury Park. The move follows strong political and public criticism over West’s history of antisemitic remarks and controversial actions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the festival’s decision to feature the rapper, calling it deeply concerning and emphasising that antisemitism must be confronted firmly to ensure Jewish people feel safe in Britain. In agreement with this stance, both sponsors confirmed they had withdrawn their support, stating they had informed organisers of their concerns. West has been repeatedly criticised for antisemitic posts on social media, a Super Bowl advert directing viewers to merchandise featuring a swastika, and a song referencing Hitler. He has since apologised in a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal, attributing his previous behaviour to a manic episode related to his bipolar disorder and offering apologies to both Jewish and black communities. Despite his admission, several political figures, including Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, have called for the government to block West’s entry into the UK. The Home Office has not yet received an application for his visit. The controversy adds to West’s troubled career, during which he also lost his Adidas partnership in 2022 after posting antisemitic imagery online.