American rapper Kanye West has responded to growing criticism over his scheduled performance at the Wireless Festival in London, following backlash tied to his past antisemitic remarks.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among those who condemned the booking, while sponsors pulled out, intensifying pressure on organisers.
“It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.”
In his response, West said his appearance would reflect change and unity, while also seeking dialogue with the Jewish community.
“I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through music.”
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough I’ve had to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here. With love.”
However, Jewish leaders insisted that any engagement must come after concrete steps, including withdrawing from the festival.
“It has been less than a year since Kanye West released a song entitled ‘Heil Hitler’, the culmination of three years of appalling antisemitism.”
“As such, we are willing to meet Kanye West as part of his journey of healing, but only after he agrees not to play the Wireless Festival for this year.”
Festival organisers defended the decision, stressing that his role would be limited strictly to music performance.
“What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the prime minister and others who have commented.”
“We are not giving him a platform to extol opinions of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country.”
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting also criticised the move, warning about the implications of such decisions.
“Kanye West has no business headlining the Wireless Festival. I think organisers showed a terrible error of judgement in inviting him.”
“These weren’t a couple of off-colour remarks. These were, I think, a pattern of behaviour.”
“Antisemitism is serious, it can be deadly, and people like Kanye West… have to accept the responsibility that comes with that. And I don’t think he has.”
The controversy continues to escalate, with mounting scrutiny on organisers and UK authorities as debate grows over whether the performance should proceed.
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