Pepsi Withdraws Wireless Festival Sponsorship After Prime Minister’s Kanye West Concerns
In the wake of U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer finding it “deeply concerning” that the artist formerly known as Kanye West would be headlining Wireless Festival, the festival’s sponsor, Pepsi, terminated their partnership after more than a decade.“Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival,” said the company in a short statement about the event previously known as Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless. Pepsi’s branding at the event had been in place since 2025.Pepsi’s announcement came hours after PM Starmer voiced his concern about Ye headlining the festival, referencing his past antisemitic remarks.“It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism,” said Starmer in a statement to The Sun. “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.”COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.Just days before that, U.K. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey suggested that Ye should be banned from entering the country. “We need to get tougher on antisemitism," he said.London mayor Sadiq Khan also made statements distancing the city's government from the festival, saying through a spokesperson, “We are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London’s values.“This was a decision taken by the festival organizers and not one that City Hall is involved in.”Ye released the song “Heil Hitler” last year and previously expressed his support for Nazism on multiple occasions on social media and in interviews. He issued an apology in a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal. Related NewsKanye West Claims He's 'Done With Antisemitism,' Asks for Forgiveness: 'Wanna Save the World Again'Adin Ross Slams Ye Following Offensive Rant: 'You're a Scumbag, You Need Help'50 Cent Responds to Ye’s Lawyers Claiming His Antisemitism Is 'Artistic Expression'Lil Mama Makes Surprise Guest Appearance on Bow Wow’s Brooklyn Tour StopPop Smoke’s Family Announces Coffee Shop in Honor of Late RapperCOMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.Making Culture Pop. Find the latest entertainment news and the best in music, pop culture, sneakers, style and original shows.
