Pepsi cancels festival sponsorship after Keir Starmer criticised Kanye West's Nazism views

Pepsi has officially withdrawn its sponsorship of London’s Wireless Festival following mounting backlash over Kanye West being announced as the event’s headliner.

According to Variety, the brand’s decision came just hours after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticised the booking, calling it “deeply concerning.”

The controversy stems from West, also known as Ye, being scheduled to headline all three nights of the festival, marking his first UK performance in over a decade. However, the announcement quickly drew criticism from political leaders and community groups due to his past antisemitic remarks and behavior.

Starmer condemned the decision, stating that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent,” and emphasising the responsibility of public platforms to ensure safety and inclusivity.

Pepsi, which had been a major sponsor of the event, confirmed its withdrawal in a brief statement: “Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival.”

The backlash has extended beyond corporate sponsors. Several public figures and organisations have voiced concern over West’s inclusion, with some even calling for him to be barred from entering the UK altogether.

Despite issuing a public apology earlier this year, where he attributed past actions to mental health struggles, the criticism surrounding his booking has persisted, raising questions about whether the festival will proceed as planned.

The situation highlights the growing tension between entertainment, corporate responsibility, and public accountability, as major brands and political leaders weigh in on who should be given a platform on global stages.