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By Gabe Whisnant
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As major sponsors pull out of London’s Wireless Festival over its decision to book Ye as a headliner, the event’s organizer says it is standing by the controversial rapper despite widespread backlash.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, said Monday the company would not reverse its decision to feature Ye — formerly known as Kanye West — arguing that forgiveness should be extended even amid public outrage.
“Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever‑increasing divisive world,” Benn said in a written statement Monday, adding that he had decided to offer Ye “some forgiveness and hope.”
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Newsweek reached out to Ye's management via email on Monday evening for comment.
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Where is Wireless Festival 2026?
Wireless Festival is scheduled to draw about 150,000 fans over three nights from July 10–12 at Finsbury Park in north London, with Ye set to headline.
When Was Kanye West Announced as Festival Headliner?
Benn defended the lineup, which was announced on March 30, arguing that Ye’s music continues to be widely available and consumed in the country.
“Ye’s music is played on commercial radio stations in this country,” he said. “It is available via live streams and downloads … and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform.”
List of Sponsors Dropping Out of Concert
The announcement has already had financial consequences. Sponsors Pepsi, Rockstar Energy and Diageo have withdrawn their support since Ye was confirmed as the headliner. Pepsi, the festival’s lead sponsor, did not publicly explain its decision to pull out.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the booking “deeply concerning,” reflecting political unease in the U.K. over Ye’s return to a major public stage.
Controversy Surrounding Kanye West
Ye has faced years of condemnation for antisemitic remarks and public praise of Adolf Hitler. Last year, he released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and sold a swastika T‑shirt through his website, prompting renewed outrage.
In January, the rapper issued a written apology for his antisemitic statements in a full‑page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. In the letter, Ye said his bipolar disorder contributed to what he described as a four‑month manic episode marked by “psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior.”
Festival Republic emphasized that Ye’s Wireless appearance would be limited to musical performance and not political commentary.
“We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature,” Benn said. “Only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations … and listened to and enjoyed by millions.”
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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