London Mayor Sadiq Khan has criticized Wireless Festival's booking of Ye for its 2026 edition at Finsbury Park, following initial condemnations from Jewish groups over the rapper's antisemitic history. Khan's spokesperson stated the artist's past comments are 'offensive and wrong' and not reflective of the city's values.
Following backlash from Jewish groups like the U.K.’s Jewish Leadership Council and Campaign Against Antisemitism—which called the booking 'deeply irresponsible' amid surging antisemitism—London Mayor Sadiq Khan weighed in on April 1. A spokesperson for Khan told media outlets including Complex and Rolling Stone: '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.' They emphasized, 'This was a decision taken by the festival organizers and not one that City Hall is involved in.'
Singer and actor Benjamin Haim-Isaac told BBC Newsbeat: 'It really makes you question whether the people who are organizing this festival actually support the Jewish community.'
Wireless Festival announced on March 31 that Ye will headline all three nights (July 10-12, 2026), marking his return after headlining in 2014. The festival promoted it as a 'three night journey through his most iconic records.' Organizers have not commented on the growing criticism.
Ye's controversies include antisemitic remarks, swastika merchandise, and a 2025 song titled 'Heil Hitler.' He recently placed a full-page apology ad in the Wall Street Journal and met with a rabbi, released album Bully on March 28, and performed at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 1.
