Music
02 Apr 26

Jewish leaders criticise Wireless festival for booking Kanye West

Kanye West. Photo credit Rich Fury.

"It is disappointing that venues have been so quick to invite someone who was so recently peddling conspiracy theories, Hitler worship, and bigoted lies, including now one of the UK’s biggest festival stages," said a spokesman for The Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Wireless music festival is facing criticism from Jewish leaders for its decision to book Kanye West as a headliner. The booking marks his first UK performance in 11 years and comes after he released the song ‘Heil Hitler’ in 2025 and shared multiple anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on social media.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has announced it will write to the festival organisers to "raise our concerns around Kanye West’s previous comments around Jews," and to seek "assurances that the safety of Jewish attendees at the festival will be assured."

West's controversial actions have included selling T-shirts featuring a swastika. His past anti-Semitic remarks from 2022 included stating he was “going death con 3 on Jewish people” and saying, “I see good things about Hitler.” These outbursts led to the termination of major business partnerships, with companies like GAP and Adidas ending their agreements with his Yeezy brand.

Earlier this year, West took out a full-page apology advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, paid for by Yeezy.

"One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 is the disconnected moments - many of which I still cannot recall - that led to poor judgement and reckless behaviour that oftentimes feels like an out-of-body-experience," wrote West. "I’m not asking for sympathy or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home".

“What is notable is that the latest apology came on the eve of the release of a new album," a spokesman for the The Board of Deputies of British Jews told The Telegraph. "It is disappointing that venues have been so quick to invite someone who was so recently peddling conspiracy theories, Hitler worship, and bigoted lies, including now one of the UK’s biggest festival stages.”

West's 12th studio album, Bully, was released on 28 March and features guest appearances from Travis Scott, André Troutman, CeeLo Green, Don Toliver, and Peso Pluma.

West will headline Wireless every night at Finsbury Park between 10 and 12 July. Advertising the event, the festival organisers said: “Ye’s UK comeback will be an extraordinary chapter in Wireless’ story.”