Pepsi Pulls Wireless Sponsorship as Keir Starmer Condemns Festival Over Kanye West Booking

A Decade-Long Partnership Ends

Pepsi, which has served as the primary sponsor for London’s Wireless Festival for the past decade, officially announced its withdrawal from the event today. The decision follows intense public and political scrutiny surrounding the festival’s announcement of a three-night headlining residency by Kanye West, marking the rapper’s first performances in the United Kingdom in 11 years.

Political Condemnation

The soda company’s move came just hours after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a sharp rebuke of the festival organizers. In a statement, Starmer expressed his disapproval, noting, “It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.”

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

Local and Industry Backlash

The Prime Minister’s stance aligns with earlier comments made by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. In a statement provided to Rolling Stone, Khan remarked, “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.”

Despite the high-profile pressure, festival organizers have remained largely silent. As of this morning, the official Wireless Festival website continued to promote the event under the branding of “Pepsi MAX Presents Wireless.” Tickets for the July 2026 festival are still slated to go on sale this coming Tuesday, leaving the future of the event’s branding and financial structure in question.

Context of the Controversy

The backlash arrives as West continues his return to the North American stage, including a series of sold-out, guest-heavy performances at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. While West issued an apology earlier this year for his past antisemitic outbursts and controversial statements via a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, he has not addressed the specific concerns raised by the U.K. government or his festival booking.