Matt Lucas in 'hypocrisy' row as Little Britain star wades into Kanye West-Wireless row after 'controversial' skits

Lydia Davies
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:36:16 +0000

Matt Lucas has sparked a fierce online debate after condemning Wireless Festival's decision to book Kanye West as its headline act this July.

The 52-year-old Jewish comedian took to X on Saturday to criticise the booking with a pointed message referencing Mr West's documented history of antisemitic behaviour.

Mr Lucas wrote: "Have you released a song called 'Heil Hitler'? Have you sold t-shirts with swastikas on them? Have you promised to go 'death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE'? If so, congratulations! You may be eligible to headline @WirelessFest." (sic)

The controversial 48-year-old rapper is scheduled to perform across all three nights at Finsbury Park in London.

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Mr Lucas's post was swiftly met with accusations of hypocrisy from social media users who highlighted his own controversial past.

Critics pointed to the comedian's use of blackface in both Little Britain, which aired on the BBC from 2003 to 2007, and the 2010 mockumentary, Come Fly With Me, which he created alongside David Walliams.

"You are famous for doing blackface on Little Britain, right? Might want to sit this one out, buddy. You lost the moral high ground a very long time ago," one user responded.

Another commented: "You weren't going through an episode of bipolar when you did blackface?"

"Think you’re forgetting how you got famous. Don’t cry now," mocked a third.

Someone else penned: "Matt this is ridiculous Kanye apologised, met with Jewish leaders and took a full page from the New York Times apologising again, he was extremely mentally unwell, tell me when you apologised for all the offensive comedy you made were you unwell or uneducated even, no you were just a dick so step off your high horse you’re a hypocrite."

However, others appeared to back Mr Lucas's take.

"Not to mention, he is absolutely talentless," added one viewer, as another penned: "Well said, Matt. Racism against Jews always gets a free pass."

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Have you released a song called 'Heil Hitler'?
Have you sold t-shirts with swastikas on them?
Have you promised to go 'death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE'?
If so, congratulations! You may be eligible to headline @WirelessFest, sponsored by @pepsiuk
— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) April 4, 2026

Mr Lucas concluded his social media post with a direct 'tag' of Pepsi.

In April 2026, Pepsi withdrew its main sponsorship of London’s Wireless Festival following the mounting backlash against the rapper.

The drinks giant had backed the event for a decade under the branding Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless.

Four sponsors in total have now pulled out since the backlash began.

The departures represent a significant blow to organisers, with Pepsi branding having been prominent across the festival site.

Mr West has faced widespread condemnation for his antisemitic conduct, which has included wearing swastika and "White Lives Matter" clothing, declaring himself a Nazi, and threatening to go "death con 3 on Jewish people."

In January, the rapper published an open letter in The Wall Street Journal attributing his behaviour to bipolar disorder and the effects of a brain injury.

"I lost touch with reality" during manic episodes, he wrote, adding that he "gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika."

He insisted he was neither a Nazi nor antisemitic, though the apology's timing ahead of his album release drew scepticism online.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the festival booking as "deeply concerning," stating that antisemitism "must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears."

Mr West has not performed in Britain for 11 years.

On Tuesday, the rapper offered to meet with the British Jewish community to "listen."

In a statement, addressed to "those I've hurt", Mr West said: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.

"My 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 London in person, to listen."

The performer concluded: "I know words aren’t enough. I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here. Love Ye.”