Sadiq Khan issues stern statement as London Mayor condemns UK festival's decision to book Kanye West

Alex Davies
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:05:55 +0000

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has condemned Wireless Festival's decision to book Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the headline act for all three nights of this summer's event.

In a statement released on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the mayor declared: "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."

Mr Khan emphasised that City Hall played no role in the booking decision, which was made solely by festival organisers.

The American rapper is scheduled to perform at Finsbury Park on July 10, 11 and 12, marking his first UK performances in over a decade.

His last headline appearance at Wireless was in 2014, with his most recent British festival set coming at Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage the following year.

Jewish organisations swiftly denounced the festival's choice of headliner.

The Jewish Leadership Council described the booking as "deeply irresponsible," telling The Guardian that Mr West "has repeatedly used his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging."

The organisation urged: "Any venue or festival should reconsider before providing their platform to Kanye West to spread his antisemitism."

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In its statement, the Council highlighted the current climate facing British Jews, noting: "The UK Jewish community is facing record levels of antisemitism, including a terrorist attack in Manchester, the attack on ambulances in Golders Green and foiled plots which would have killed many more."

The Campaign Against Antisemitism and Board of Deputies of British Jews also criticised the decision, with the latter's president questioning whether the government should prevent the rapper from entering the country.

Mr West's antisemitic behaviour stretches back to 2022, when inflammatory social media posts led to his suspension from Instagram and Twitter, while his lawyer, talent agency and record label severed ties with him.

Fashion houses Balenciaga and Adidas similarly ended their partnerships with the musician.

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In a December 2022 interview with far-right commentator Gavin McInnes, the rapper told Jewish people to "forgive Hitler."

His conduct escalated dramatically in early 2025, when he posted on X: "I LOVE HITLER NOW WHAT B*****S. IM A NAZI." (sic)

Shortly afterwards, he released a track titled Heil Hitler, which streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music refused to host.

Australia subsequently revoked his travel visa in response.

The rapper also sold t-shirts featuring swastikas through his online store, prompting Shopify to remove his account from their platform.

Earlier this year, Mr West purchased a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal offering an apology for his antisemitic behaviour.

In the letter, he attributed his actions to a bipolar type-1 diagnosis and a brain condition stemming from a car accident 25 years ago, stating he had experienced "a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour."

"I lost touch with reality," Mr West wrote. "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state."

He insisted he is neither a Nazi nor an antisemite, adding: "I love Jewish people."

The apology prompted widespread scepticism that it was timed to coincide with his new album Bully, released last week.

Mr West rejected this interpretation, telling Vanity Fair: "This isn't about reviving my commerciality. This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart."