Pepsi and Diageo withdraw sponsorship from London’s Wireless Festival after Kanye West backlash, as political leaders condemn antisemitism and call for accountability and safety in the UK, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Pepsi has withdrawn as the main sponsor of London’s Wireless Festival this summer after the announcement that US rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, would headline the three-day event.
The decision comes amid widespread criticism of West’s past antisemitic comments, which he apologised for in January, and his earlier glorification of Nazi imagery. Drinks giant Diageo has also withdrawn its support, affecting major brands Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, which had been listed as festival partners.
A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless Festival.” As of Sunday evening, the festival website still listed Pepsi and the Diageo brands, though partner details were offline.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described West’s headlining slot as “deeply concerning,” highlighting the rapper’s previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” he said. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”
Political leaders across parties echoed concerns. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the government to ban West from entering the UK, calling the situation “extremely serious.” Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch told LBC that “not platforming people who make antisemitic statements” is crucial to curbing hatred. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he personally would not buy a ticket.
West, 48, has a history of controversial statements. Last year he was blocked from entering Australia after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler” and previously declared himself a Nazi. He also sold T-shirts featuring a swastika on his clothing website.
In November 2025, West reportedly apologised for past antisemitic remarks in a meeting with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto. He later took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal in January, saying: “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions… I lost touch with reality.”
The Home Office has not yet received an application for West to enter the UK. Festival organisers have not issued a comment on whether a replacement headliner will be announced.
