Pepsi and Diageo Withdraw Sponsorship from Wireless Festival Over Kanye West Booking
Major sponsors Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their support for the UK's Wireless Festival following the announcement of Kanye West as the event's headliner, citing concerns over his past antisemitic remarks.
Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of the UK's 2026 Wireless Festival after Kanye West was announced as the event's headliner. The rapper, also known as Ye, has faced criticism for past antisemitic remarks and actions.
Pepsi, the festival's main sponsor, confirmed its decision to withdraw support. A company spokesperson stated, "Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival."
Diageo, owner of brands such as Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, also announced its withdrawal. A spokesperson said, "We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless festival."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern over West's booking, stating, "It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism."
The Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for West to be banned from entering the UK, citing his past actions and statements.
Wireless Festival, scheduled for July in London's Finsbury Park, is one of the UK's largest music events, attracting up to 150,000 attendees annually. Organisers have yet to respond to the growing controversy surrounding West's participation.