The Jewish Leadership Council has condemned Wireless festival for booking Kanye West, also known as Ye, to headline all three nights of the upcoming north London event. The council described the decision as “deeply irresponsible” amid heightened attacks on the UK Jewish community.
West has a history of antisemitic behaviour, including releasing a song called Heil Hitler, calling himself a Nazi, associating with white supremacist commentator Nick Fuentes, making anti-Jewish racist statements, and selling T-shirts bearing swastikas. In January, he took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal apologising for his actions, attributing his behaviour to bipolar-1 disorder.
A spokesperson for London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “We are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London’s values. This was a decision taken by the festival organisers and not one that City Hall is involved in.”
Wireless, run by Festival Republic (part of Live Nation), announced on Monday that West would top the bill each night of the Finsbury Park event, taking what it called “a three-night journey through his most iconic records”. The performances will be West’s first in the UK in 11 years, following the release of his 12th album, Bully.
A spokesperson for the Jewish Leadership Council said: “West has repeatedly used his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging. His most recent apology must be considered in the context that he went on to sell swastika T-shirts and release a song called Heil Hitler after apologising previously.” The festival organisers declined to comment.
In 2022, Adidas ended its partnership with West over his antisemitic comments. In 2025, West was barred entry to Australia after the release of Heil Hitler. A Home Office spokesperson said: “We do not routinely comment on individual cases.” The festival takes place from 10-12 July.
