Wireless Fest Kanye row as sponsors pull support
Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of the 2026 Wireless Festival after the event confirmed that Kanye West will headline all three nights. The decision follows growing criticism of the booking, including comments from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The 48-year-old rapper, also known as Ye, is scheduled to perform at London’s Finsbury Park in July. This would mark his first UK performance since his headline appearance at Glastonbury in 2015. However, his selection has sparked controversy due to past antisemitic remarks and behaviour that have drawn widespread criticism.
In a statement, Pepsi confirmed it would no longer support the festival, saying it had decided to withdraw its sponsorship. Drinks company Diageo, which owns brands such as Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, also announced it would not sponsor the event, citing concerns over the booking. Additionally, PayPal, previously listed as a payment partner, is expected to be removed from future promotional materials.
Sir Keir Starmer described the decision to book West as “deeply concerning,” referencing the artist’s history of antisemitic statements and controversial public actions. He emphasized that antisemitism is unacceptable and stressed the importance of ensuring the UK remains a place where Jewish communities feel safe and respected.
West has faced repeated backlash in recent years for social media posts containing antisemitic content, as well as other actions that have drawn condemnation. In early 2025, he issued a public apology in a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, stating he was not antisemitic and expressing regret for his past behaviour. He attributed some of his actions to a manic episode related to bipolar disorder and acknowledged the harm caused.
Previously, West’s partnership with Adidas ended in 2022 after he shared an image combining a swastika with the Star of David. Following the termination of the collaboration, Adidas donated more than $150 million to organizations working to combat hate.
Festival organisers have not yet issued a public response regarding the sponsors’ withdrawals.
