Keir Starmer Condemns Kanye West's Wireless Festival Headline Slot Amidst Anti-Semitism Concerns
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer voices his concerns over Kanye West headlining Wireless Festival, joining a chorus of disapproval due to the rapper's history of anti-Semitic remarks.
The decision to book Kanye West, now known as Ye, to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park has sparked widespread criticism. The shows are billed as a three-night retrospective of his most iconic work.
Groups like the Jewish Leadership Council and Campaign Against Anti-Semitism have condemned the booking, with the former calling it "deeply irresponsible." London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also voiced his disapproval, stating that Ye's past comments and actions "are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London’s values."
Now, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has weighed in, telling The Sun, "It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism."
> UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made a statement on Ye headlining Wireless this summer:
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> “It is deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism."
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> “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and… pic.twitter.com/pqXGhptyzF
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> — Kurrco (@Kurrco) April 5, 2026
Starmer added, "Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure."
This isn't the first time Starmer has spoken out on artistic expression. Last year, he was among politicians who called for Irish rap trio Kneecap to be removed from Glastonbury Festival's lineup. When NME asked Starmer about it, he said, "Kneecap shouldn’t be performing at Glastonbury, and I don’t support inciting violence as free speech."
Ye's history of anti-Semitic comments dates back to 2022, leading to suspensions from Instagram and Twitter, and severed ties with his lawyer, talent agency, record label, and fashion brands like Balenciaga and Adidas.
Initially, Ye refused to apologize, even suggesting that Jewish people should "forgive Hitler." However, in 2023, he issued an apology to the Jewish community, later blaming alcohol for his behavior.
Despite the apology, numerous lawsuits alleging extensive anti-Semitic behavior have been filed against the rapper. One former employee claimed Ye said Jewish people were "working together to hold him back." Another alleged he used antisemitic language and praised Hitler, reportedly resulting in a settlement. In early 2025, Ye retracted his apology and declared himself "a Nazi," followed by the appearance of swastika apparel on his X page.
Since then, West has attempted to atone for his actions, meeting with a rabbi and taking out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal to issue another apology.
He did not address the controversy during his tour kickoff this week, but told the crowd at the SoFi Stadium: "Tonight we’re going to put all this behind us, ain’t that right LA?”
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