Kanye West's Wireless Festival Appearance Sparks Outcry: London Mayor Responds
London Mayor Sadiq Khan addresses the controversy surrounding Kanye West's upcoming performance at Wireless Festival in London, following the rapper's history of controversial statements.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has addressed the controversy surrounding Kanye West's recently announced performance at the 2026 Wireless Festival in London. The rapper, now known as Ye, is scheduled to perform in Finsbury Park on July 10, 11, and 12.
"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," a spokesperson for the Mayor told Rolling Stone in a statement.
The annual hip-hop music event announced Ye's performance on Tuesday, March 31. "11 years later, Ye returns to London for a three night journey through his most iconic records," the festival’s website states.
Given Kanye West's past controversial statements and antisemitic outbursts, for which he has since apologized, the announcement was immediately met with backlash in the U.K. and internationally.
The Jewish Leadership Council called the announcement “deeply irresponsible” in a statement to The Guardian. “West has repeatedly used his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging… Any venue or festival should reconsider before providing their platform to Kanye West to spread his antisemitism,” the spokesperson added.
Singer/actor Benjamin Haim-Isaac told BBC Newsbeat, “It really makes you question whether the people who are organizing this festival actually support the Jewish community.”
Representatives for Wireless Festival have yet to respond to Rolling Stone's request for comment.
Last week, Ye released his 12th studio album, Bully, marking his first LP in four years. It follows the rapper’s antisemitic song “Heil Hitler” from 2025.
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