British PM slams London festival for booking Kanye West as sponsor pulls out
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LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed concern about planned concerts in London by US rapper Kanye West, who has a history of antisemitic outbursts, as a major sponsor pulled out of the event on Sunday (Apr 5).
West, now known as Ye, is due to play three nights at the Wireless festival in London in July as part of a European comeback tour. Starmer told The Sun newspaper on Saturday it was "deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism," adding that "antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly."
A spokesperson for event sponsor Pepsi told AFP that the brand "has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival," without giving a reason. The festival's operating company, Live Nation, has not responded to a request for comment.
CALLS TO BAN WEST FROM UK
Campaign Against Antisemitism, a British charity, on Sunday urged Starmer not to be a "bystander" and to ban West from entering the country. "Surely this is a clear case," the charity said on X, suggesting West could be excluded as a non-citizen whose presence is not "conducive to the public good."
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The appearance of West was announced by festival organisers on social media last month, prompting criticism from Jewish organisations and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
HISTORY OF CONTROVERSY
West's European tour has already provoked controversy elsewhere. In France, the mayor of Marseille said he was "not welcome" for a concert there in June.
In May 2025, West released a song called "Heil Hitler" to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The song was banned by major streaming platforms.
West has expressed regret over his antisemitic remarks, which he has blamed on his bipolar disorder. He is 48 years old.
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