Sponsors Flee Wireless Festival Amidst Ye Controversy: Diageo and Rockstar Energy Join Pepsi in Protest
Major sponsors, including Diageo and Rockstar Energy, are pulling out of London's Wireless Festival due to the booking of Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, following PepsiCo's earlier withdrawal.
Diageo, the owner of alcohol brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness, has withdrawn its support from Wireless Festival due to Ye's scheduled performance. This follows PepsiCo's earlier announcement that it would not be sponsoring the event after a decade-long partnership.
Diageo confirmed their decision to The Independent, stating that they had informed organizers of their concerns and would not sponsor the 2026 festival. Though the statement didn't explicitly name West, it followed condemnation from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Variety reported that Rockstar Energy is also pulling out, citing an unnamed source. ITV News added that PayPal is joining the exodus, despite only offering early ticket access as Live Nation’s payment partner.
The Live Nation-affiliated London Festival, previously branded as “Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless,” is slated to take place in London’s Finsbury Park from July 10-12, with West headlining all three nights. He previously headlined in 2014.
Ye has faced criticism for repeated antisemitic actions and statements, including releasing a song entitled “Heil Hitler” and professing a love for Nazis.
Earlier this year, West took out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal apologizing to the Jewish and Black communities. The Wireless booking also drew criticism from PM Starmer, who told The Guardian it was “deeply concerning” given West's antisemitic remarks.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that West's past comments were “offensive and wrong” and not reflective of London’s values.
The U.K.’s Jewish Leadership Council condemned the booking, citing record levels of antisemitism. The Campaign Against Antisemitism urged the government to bar West from entering the U.K.
At press time, it was unclear if the U.K. government would attempt to bar West from entering the country. Wireless Festival organizers have yet to comment publicly.
West recently performed two sold-out concerts at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium.
Billboard VIP Pass
Related Articles
Listen to Lucky Daye on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment