Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of Wireless Festival following criticism of the booking of Kanye West as headliner. The rapper, also known as Ye, is set to perform at the London event in July, but his history of antisemitic remarks and a song titled 'Heil Hitler' have sparked outrage.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the booking 'deeply concerning', stating that antisemitism must be confronted. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the government to ban West from entering the UK, citing the need to get tougher on antisemitism.
West has not yet applied to enter Britain, and the Home Secretary could block his entry under powers to exclude individuals deemed not conducive to the public good. The Home Office does not comment on individual cases but follows rules allowing denial based on character or conduct that threatens UK society.
The Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have condemned the festival's decision. West apologised in January for his remarks, attributing them to a manic episode caused by bipolar disorder.
