Recommendations of the Editorial team
Wireless Festival boss has condemned Kanye West’s history of anti-Semitic comments and his praise of Nazis – but maintains that he has booked the rapper for this year’s event.
In a statement obtained by ROLLING STONE, Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, appealed to critics to show Ye “forgiveness and hope”: “Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this increasingly divided world.”
Although West recently apologized for his past behavior and anti-Semitic statements, Wireless’ decision drew sharp criticism from politicians and sponsors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the booking, and the BBC reported that some ministers were considering whether West should even be allowed to enter the United Kingdom. In addition, Pepsi, Rockstar Energy and beverage company Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorships for Wireless 2026.
Benn appeals for forgiveness
Despite the headwinds, Benn’s statement indicated that Wireless would not be changing its lineup. Referring to West’s apology, in which the rapper linked his anti-Semitic rants to his battle with bipolar disorder, Benn explained that he has had a person in his life for 15 years who also “suffers from mental illness.” He experienced “many episodes of abhorrent behavior that I had to forgive and put behind me.”
“If I wasn’t already, I have become a person of forgiveness and hope in all areas of my life, including professionally,” Benn continued. “What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and all those who have spoken out about it – and, if you take his word for it, now Ye himself.”
Benn also argued that West’s music is still being played on British radio stations, is still available for streaming and downloading, and West (at least for now) still has “the legal right to enter the country and perform here.” Wireless does not give him “a platform to spread opinions of any kind, but only to perform the songs that are currently playing on the radio stations and on the streaming platforms in our country and are heard and enjoyed by millions.”
West’s upcoming performances
At the end of his statement, Benn reiterated his appeal for understanding: “I would ask people to consider their spontaneous reactions of disgust at the prospect of his appearance – as mine were – and to offer him some forgiveness and hope, as I have decided to do.”
Ye most recently returned to the stage with two nights at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, coinciding with the release of his new album Bully. In addition to Wireless, he has other shows on the program in India, Turkey and several major European cities.
