Pepsi ends Wireless Festival sponsorship amid backlash over Kanye West headlining

Pepsi has withdrawn its sponsorship from the Wireless Festival after controversy erupted over the booking of Kanye West, who is set to headline all three nights of the event in London’s Finsbury Park this July. The decision comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized the festival for featuring West despite his history of antisemitic remarks and actions that glorified Nazism. Starmer declared that antisemitism must be confronted and that public figures share a responsibility to make the UK safe for Jewish communities. West, also known as Ye, has previously faced widespread condemnation — losing major brand partnerships such as his Adidas deal after posting antisemitic imagery online. His behavior has included promoting a website selling a swastika T-shirt and releasing a song titled ‘Heil Hitler.’ Although he issued a public apology in early 2025 through a full-page Wall Street Journal ad, citing his bipolar-1 disorder and a four-month manic episode, skepticism remains among critics. The apology expressed remorse toward both Jewish and Black communities for his actions. Political figures such as Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey have since called on the UK government to deny West entry into the country. Pepsi confirmed its withdrawal without elaborating, and the festival’s organizers have not yet responded. The Home Office reportedly has not received any request from West to visit the UK.