Pepsi withdrew sponsorship from London’s Wireless Festival after Kanye West’s headline announcement. The rapper, now Ye, faces widespread criticism for past antisemitic remarks despite a January apology.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the booking “deeply concerning.” He condemned West’s antisemitic comments and Nazi celebration as unacceptable. “Antisemitism demands firm confrontation everywhere,” Starmer declared.
West headlines all three days of the July rap and R&B festival in north London. Pepsi MAX branded itself as the “long-standing partner” before abruptly pulling support Sunday afternoon.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey demanded a UK entry ban for West. Conservative Kemi Badenoch urged platforms reject antisemitic voices. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage said he wouldn’t buy tickets.
Australia banned West last year after his “Heil Hitler” song release. The Home Office reports no UK entry application yet. Festival organizers face mounting political and corporate pressure.
