Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticises Wireless festival for booking Kanye West, citing the rapper’s history of antisemitic remarks and Nazi glorification
LONDON: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the booking of US rapper Kanye West for a London music festival.
Starmer expressed deep concern over the planned concerts, citing West’s history of antisemitic outbursts and his release of a song titled “Heil Hitler”.
The disgraced hip-hop star, now known as Ye, is scheduled to perform three nights at the Wireless festival in July as part of a European comeback tour.
“It is deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism,” Starmer told The Sun newspaper.
He added that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly”.
The announcement of West’s appearances last month prompted immediate criticism from Jewish organisations and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Event sponsor Pepsi has since withdrawn its sponsorship of the festival following the controversy.
Parent company PepsiCo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
West’s European tour has already faced opposition, with the mayor of Marseille stating the rapper was “not welcome” for a concert there in June.
The rapper has previously expressed regret for his antisemitic rants, which he blamed on his bipolar disorder.
In May 2025 he released the song “Heil Hitler” to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
The controversial track was subsequently banned by major streaming platforms.
