‘A house of cards’: how did Wireless festival get it so wrong on Kanye West?

The announcement of Kanye West as the headliner for the 2026 Wireless festival has sparked significant controversy and backlash. Major sponsors, including Pepsi and Diageo, have begun to withdraw their support following public outcry over West's past comments regarding the Jewish community and the Holocaust.

UK Jewish organisations have threatened to protest if the festival proceeds with West as a performer. The backlash has been echoed by political figures, including Labour leader Keir Starmer, who described the decision to book the rapper—known for his inflammatory remarks—as "deeply concerning."

Industry experts suggest that the decision to book West was a calculated risk, highlighting the broader implications for the festival industry as a whole. The controversy raises questions about the responsibilities of event organisers in selecting performers and the potential repercussions of those choices.

As the festival date approaches, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the impact of West's booking on the festival's reputation and financial viability.

Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/12/a-house-of-cards-how-did-wireless-festival-get-it-so-wrong-on-kanye-west