Kanye West Remains on Wireless Festival Bill

Wireless Festival organizers confirmed on Monday that Kanye West, also known as Ye, remains scheduled to perform, despite public criticism from UK Members of Parliament and Jewish organizations. The confirmation came after calls for his appearance to be canceled over past antisemitic remarks, including statements expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and the sale of swastika-themed merchandise.

Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, the event’s promoter, said West “intended to come in and perform.” Benn said the festival’s position is that it is not offering West a platform to “extol opinion of whatever nature,” but is instead booking him to perform songs that are already widely available through radio and streaming services.

Benn also pointed to his personal stance against fascism and said he believes in forgiveness. He referenced West’s public apology in January, in which the artist attributed his past behavior to bipolar-1 disorder. Organizers have not announced any change to the booking in the Monday confirmation.

The decision has triggered political and public backlash in the UK. Bridget Phillipson, a senior UK government minister, criticized the festival’s decision and described West’s remarks as “completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also criticized the decision, according to the information provided.

The controversy has also affected commercial partners tied to the event. Sponsors Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their support in response to West’s inclusion. PayPal, identified as a payment partner, will no longer be featured in future promotional materials for the festival.

Separately, UK ministers are reportedly reviewing West’s permission to enter the country. No outcome of that review was provided in the information available, and it remains unclear whether any decision could affect the planned performance.