Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates

Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates

Concerns over Antisemitic Remarks

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, has voiced worry about Kanye West’s scheduled appearance at the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The rapper, who is now known as Ye, has faced significant backlash for his recent antisemitic remarks, which he later addressed with an apology in January. Earlier this week, West was confirmed as the headliner for all three days of the rap and R&B event in north London.

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” Sir Keir stated. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey intensified the debate by suggesting the government should restrict West’s entry into the UK, emphasizing the need for stricter measures against antisemitism. He described the artist’s involvement as “extremely serious,” aligning with calls for action following similar incidents in Australia.

West’s Apology and Recent Actions

West was barred from entering Australia in 2023 after releasing a track titled “Heil Hitler,” which celebrated the Nazi leader. The same year, he donned a “white lives matter” T-shirt during Paris fashion week, prompting Adidas to sever ties with him. The brand cited its stance against “antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech” as the reason for the split.

In November 2025, West met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, where he reportedly apologized for his past antisemitic comments. A month later, he published a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, clarifying his position: “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” he wrote. He attributed his earlier statements to bipolar disorder, explaining that during manic episodes, “you don’t think you’re sick” and that he “lost touch with reality.”

Controversy and Public Reaction

West’s social media account faced multiple suspensions in 2022 due to posts violating platform guidelines. Among these were tweets combining a swastika with the Star of David and claiming he would pursue “death con 3” against Jewish people. The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the UK’s primary Jewish representative body, urged the government to prevent his entry, echoing broader criticism.

West has not performed in the UK since 2015, when he headlined Glastonbury. His latest album, *Bully*, released in March, features three tracks currently in the UK’s top 100 singles chart. The Wireless Festival described the event as a “three-night journey through his most iconic records,” despite the controversy surrounding his participation.

Organizers and Municipal Response

A spokesperson for London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan noted that West’s past comments are “offensive and wrong,” adding they “do not reflect London’s values.” The mayor’s office clarified that the festival organizers made the decision to book West, not City Hall. Festival Republic, the event’s organizers, have yet to provide a public statement on the matter.