Pepsi ends Wireless Festival sponsorship amid criticism over Kanye West’s headline appearance
The company confirmed its decision in a brief statement issued to multiple British news organisations
Pepsi has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Wireless Festival in London following criticism over Kanye West’s scheduled headline appearance.
The company confirmed its decision in a brief statement issued to multiple British news organisations, saying, “Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival.” The announcement came hours after Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticised the booking of the artist, now known as Ye.
Starmer expressed concern over the decision to feature the rapper as the sole headliner for the three-day event at Finsbury Park, stating to The Sun, “It is deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”
The festival, previously branded as “Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless” under a partnership established in 2015, continues to advertise Ye’s three-night performance from July 10 to 12, 2026. Ticket sales are expected to begin shortly.
Political reaction has extended beyond the prime minister. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the artist should be barred from entering the United Kingdom, adding that “we need to get tougher on antisemitism.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for London mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the performer’s past comments are “offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London’s values,” emphasising that the booking was made independently by festival organisers.
The controversy follows recent activity from Ye in the United States, where he performed two shows at SoFi Stadium.
The festival booking has drawn criticism from organisations including the Jewish Leadership Council, which described the decision as “deeply irresponsible” in a statement to The Guardian.
