The Jewish Leadership Council and Campaign Against Antisemitism have condemned Wireless Festival's decision to book Kanye West as headliner for its 2026 edition, citing his repeated antisemitic comments amid a surge in UK antisemitism. The announcement, made on March 30, schedules West for all three nights, July 10-12 at London's Finsbury Park.
The Jewish Leadership Council called the booking 'deeply irresponsible,' highlighting record levels of antisemitism in the UK, including a terrorist attack in Manchester, an attack on ambulances in Golders Green, and foiled plots. A spokesperson stated: “West has repeatedly used his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging. His most recent apology must be considered in the context that he went on to sell swastika T-shirts and release a song called Heil Hitler after apologising previously.”
The Campaign Against Antisemitism agreed, with a spokesperson noting: “Kanye West has dedicated years of his life to trying to incite his followers to hate Jews. He has more followers than there are Jews on Earth, so his incitement has a huge impact. His cycle of apology and relapse has become a routine, so as with any addict once again we must wait to see if this time is any different.”
West's controversies escalated in 2022 with offensive social media posts leading to platform suspensions, severed brand partnerships (e.g., Adidas, Balenciaga), and widespread condemnations. He has faced lawsuits over antisemitic remarks and Hitler praise, issued apologies—including one in a Wall Street Journal ad in January—but retracted them, shared swastika imagery as recently as early 2025, and premiered his 12th studio album on March 27. Festival organizers have not commented on the backlash.
This follows coverage of the headline announcement.
