Antisemitism Controversy

Wireless Fest organizer defends Ye booking amid backlash

April 06, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin Àwòrán tí AI ṣe

Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, defended the decision to book Ye to headline Wireless Festival 2026 for three nights in London's Finsbury Park. In a statement, Benn condemned Ye's past comments about Jews and Hitler as abhorrent but called for forgiveness and second chances. The booking has prompted sponsor withdrawals and criticism from UK leaders including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.