Keir Starmer Expresses Concern Over Kanye West's UK Festival Appearance
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described it as "deeply concerning" that Kanye West, now known as Ye, is scheduled to headline the Wireless Festival in London this summer.
The American rapper, aged 48, has faced widespread criticism for antisemitic remarks made in recent years, for which he issued an apology in January. Earlier this week, West was announced as the headliner for all three days of the rap and R&B festival held in north London.
Responding to the announcement, Sir Keir stated, as first reported by the Sun on Sunday, that West had been booked "despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism".
"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears," Sir Keir said.
"Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe."
Political Reactions and Calls for a Ban
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also weighed in on Thursday, urging the government to ban West from entering the UK. He emphasized the need to be tougher on antisemitism and described West's planned festival appearance as "extremely serious."
Background on Kanye West's Controversies
Last year, West was denied entry to Australia after releasing a song titled "Heil Hitler," which glorified the Nazi leader. Earlier in the year, he declared himself a Nazi, retracting a prior apology for antisemitic comments, and sold T-shirts featuring a swastika on his clothing website.
In November 2025, West met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, during which he reportedly apologized for his past antisemitic statements.
In January, West took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal to apologize for his antisemitic behavior.
"I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," he wrote. He explained that bipolar disorder means when "you're manic, you don't think you're sick" and that he "lost touch with reality."
"I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state," he added.
Social Media and Public Backlash
West's account on X was banned multiple times in 2022 due to posts violating the platform's rules. These included a series of offensive tweets, such as an image appearing to combine a swastika and the Star of David, and a statement that he would go "death con 3 On Jewish people."
In the same year, he attracted criticism for wearing a "white lives matter" T-shirt during Paris Fashion Week. These actions led clothing brand Adidas to sever ties with the rapper, stating at the time that it "does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech."
West has not performed in the UK since 2015, when he headlined Glastonbury.
Current Festival and Music Chart Presence
Three songs from West's latest album, Bully, released in March, are currently in the UK's top 100 singles chart.
The Wireless Festival, scheduled from 10-12 July, has described West's performance as a "three night journey through his most iconic records."
Community and Official Responses
Earlier this week, the leader of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the largest Jewish representative body in the UK, told night that West should be blocked from entering the country.
A spokesperson for London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan stated:
"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 organisers and not one that City Hall is involved in."
Festival organisers Festival Republic have been approached for comment regarding the controversy.
