David Schwimmer wades into Kanye West-Wireless controversy as Friends star hits out at rapper's apology

Alex Davies
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:45:00 +0000

David Schwimmer has publicly commended three major corporations for severing their ties with Wireless Festival following the announcement that Ye would headline the London event in June.

The Friends actor posted an extensive statement on Instagram on Monday expressing gratitude to Pepsi, PayPal, and Diageo for their decision to withdraw sponsorship.

"It's great to see companies with moral clarity," Mr Schwimmer wrote.

The 59-year-old described these brands as having chosen not to provide a platform for someone he characterised as "one of the most recognisable hate-mongering bigots in the world."

Rockstar Energy Drinks also departed as a sponsor on Monday, though Mr Schwimmer did not reference this fourth company in his statement.

The actor accused Wireless and its promoter, Festival Republic, of seeking only to profit from the controversial rapper's appearance.

Mr Schwimmer expressed deep scepticism about the paid advertisement Mr West placed in the Wall Street Journal approximately two months ago, suggesting it may have been "part of a PR scheme to assuage folks right before his long-planned return to the stage."

The actor highlighted Mr West's track record of retracting previous apologies before intensifying his antisemitic rhetoric.

"An apology letter is just that: Words on paper," Mr Schwimmer stated. "An advertisement, generating publicity before a concert tour. It does not erase years of abuse."

He noted that Mr West's written apology attributed his targeting of Jewish people to a health condition. "I believe in forgiveness, but it takes much more than this," Mr Schwimmer concluded.

Mr Schwimmer's stance came just hours before Mr West decided to issue a statement directly addressing the backlash facing his proposed Wireless stint.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Mr West said: "I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.

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A post shared by David Schwimmer (@_schwim_)

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"My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my 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’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here."

Mr West's statement followed Festival Republic's managing director, Melvin Benn, who defended the decision to book Mr West by drawing on his personal experiences with individuals facing mental health challenges.

"I have witnessed many episodes of despicable behaviour that I have had to forgive and move on from," Mr Benn wrote. "If I wasn't before, I have become a person of forgiveness and hope in all aspects of my life, including work."

While acknowledging that Mr West's previous declarations regarding Jewish people and Hitler were "abhorrent," Mr Benn maintained the festival was not providing a platform for the rapper to express opinions but rather to perform music "enjoyed by millions."

"Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world," he stated.

Festival Republic, part of Live Nation Entertainment Group, is proceeding with ticket sales for Mr West's three-night headline slot this week.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the booking in a statement to the Sun on Sunday, declaring it "deeply concerning" that Mr West had been scheduled despite his antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.

"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears," Mr Starmer said. "Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe."

The Mayor of London had previously disavowed the rapper's appearance when it was announced last week.

Mr Schwimmer concluded his statement by urging the festival's remaining corporate partners to reconsider their involvement.

"I hope Budweiser, Beat Box Beverages, Drip water and Big Green Coach come to the same conclusion," he wrote, arguing that continuing sponsorship would make them "tacitly complicit in what these companies know to be wrong, unethical and immoral."