Kamal Ghorui
Pepsi has withdrawn as the main sponsor of the Wireless Festival following backlash over the decision to feature Kanye West as the headline act.The drinks giant confirmed it will no longer back the festival, scheduled to take place in north London in July, after criticism intensified over the rapper’s past antisemitic remarks.West, now known as Ye, was recently announced as the headline performer for all three days of the festival, which is traditionally marketed as “Pepsi presents Wireless”.
Pepsi Wireless Festival controversy deepens amid political backlash and sponsor exits
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the booking as “deeply concerning”, citing West’s previous antisemitic comments and controversial statements.“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” he said, adding that Britain must remain a place where Jewish communities feel safe.Calls for action have also come from across the political spectrum. Ed Davey urged authorities to bar West from entering the UK, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said individuals promoting hate speech should not be given a platform. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he would not attend the event.Alongside Pepsi, Diageo has also withdrawn its support “as it stands”. Its brands, including Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, had been listed as festival partners.A spokesperson for Diageo said the company had informed organisers of its concerns and would not sponsor the 2026 edition under current circumstances.As of the latest update, partner details on the festival’s website appeared to have been removed.
Controversy around Kanye West
West, 48, has faced sustained criticism in recent years for antisemitic statements and behaviour. He apologised earlier this year, including through a public message and a newspaper advertisement, saying he regretted his actions and was “deeply mortified”.However, his past conduct including offensive social media posts, controversial merchandise and statements appearing to praise Nazi ideology continues to draw scrutiny.The rapper has not performed in the UK since 2015, when he headlined the Glastonbury Festival.
Festival under pressure
The BBC News understands that no visa application has yet been submitted for West’s UK entry. Meanwhile, Jewish community groups have urged authorities to reconsider his participation.A spokesperson for London Mayor Sadiq Khan said West’s past comments were “offensive and wrong” and did not reflect the city’s values, while noting that the booking decision lay with festival organisers.The event, organised by Festival Republic, is scheduled to run from July 10 to 12 and has been described as a showcase of West’s “most iconic records”.
Uncertain road ahead
With major sponsors stepping back and political pressure mounting, questions remain over whether West will ultimately perform.For now, the controversy has shifted focus away from the music and onto a broader debate over accountability, platforming and the responsibilities of cultural events in a polarised climate.
