Kanye West faces sponsor exodus from Wireless Festival as another sponsor pulls out

Kanye West, now going by Ye, is facing mounting backlash as multiple sponsors withdraw from the Wireless Festival, where he is scheduled to headline a three-night performance in July. The controversy centres on his history of antisemitic remarks and past pro-Nazi references, prompting corporate partners and politicians alike to speak out.

The festival’s primary sponsor, Pepsi, announced it would no longer co-brand the event, ending a decade-long partnership known as ‘Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless’. Shortly after, Diageo, owner of brands like Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, also pulled support. Sources confirmed that Rockstar Energy Drink followed suit, while PayPal will not allow its branding to appear, though it has not fully withdrawn from the festival.

Political leaders in the U.K. have criticised the booking. Keir Starmer described Ye’s headlining appearance as “deeply concerning” given the artist’s previous antisemitic remarks. Other officials, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, have distanced themselves from the festival, calling the booking “offensive” and “not reflective of London values.”

Despite the backlash, the festival website still lists many of the brands, though some sponsors may face pressure to follow Pepsi’s lead. Remaining supporters include Budweiser, Beatbox and Drip.

Ye’s return to live performances in the U.S. earlier this year saw sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium, featuring appearances from Lauryn Hill, Travis Scott and Don Toliver. He has publicly apologised for his previous behaviour through a full-page Wall Street Journal ad and a Vanity Fair interview, citing a mental health crisis as a factor in his controversial actions.

The Wireless Festival performance will mark Ye’s first U.K. shows in 11 years. Jewish leaders and organisations, including the Jewish Leadership Council, condemned the booking as “deeply irresponsible,” arguing the platform should not be provided to spread antisemitic messaging. The situation has left the festival’s future uncertain as sponsors, fans and public officials continue to react.