Maya Georgi
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Kanye West performs onstage during Rolling Loud 2024 Scott Dudelson/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan is speaking out about Ye’s recently announced performance at the 2026 Wireless Festival in London. The rapper is set to perform in the city’s Finsbury Park on July 10, July 11, and July 12.
“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. This was a decision taken by the festival organizers and not one that City Hall is involved in,” a spokesperson for the Mayor tells Rolling Stone in a statement.
On Tuesday, March 31, the annual hip-hop music event announced the artist formerly known as Kanye West‘s performance. “11 years later, Ye returns to London for a three night journey through his most iconic records,” the festival’s website reads. Given the rapper’s past controversial statements and antisemitic outbursts, which he has since apologized for, the news was immediately met with an uproar in the U.K. and abroad.
The Jewish Leadership Council called the announcement “deeply irresponsible” in a statement to The Guardian. “West has repeatedly used his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging … Any venue or festival should reconsider before providing their platform to Kanye West to spread his antisemitism,” the spokesperson added. Additionally, singer/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.”
