Jewish groups refuse Kanye West meeting over Wireless Festival controversy

WorldPolitics
7 Apr 2026 • 5:01 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • British Jewish groups have refused to meet Kanye West after the rapper offered to speak with them ahead of his headline slot at Wireless Festival this summer.
  • West's invitation to headline the London festival has been widely criticised by government ministers and Jewish organisations due to his past antisemitic statements.
  • Last year, the rapper released a song called “Heil Hitler” and advertised a swastika T-shirt, drawing significant condemnation.
  • The Jewish Leadership Council immediately rejected West's offer, stating they would not help ”save their festival”.
  • They highlighted that festival organisers were fully aware of West's history of “vile antisemitism” when they extended the invitation.

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