FOLLOW US

Kanye West said he “would be grateful” for an opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom following mounting controversy over his scheduled headline appearance at this year’s Wireless Festival.

In a public statement, the artist, who now goes by Ye, said he had been “following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.”

“My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music,” he continued.

Ye also extended an invitation to meet community representatives face-to-face “to listen,” adding: “I know words aren't enough - I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here.”

The rapper has faced sustained backlash over nearly five years due to antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi remarks.

Among the most controversial incidents, West released a track titled Heil Hitler and marketed merchandise bearing swastika imagery.

In January, he issued a lengthy apology through The Wall Street Journal, attributing his behavior in part to manic episodes linked to bipolar disorder.

Since then, he has made efforts to re-enter the mainstream spotlight.

Last week, he performed two sold-out shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, featuring appearances by Travis Scott and Lauryn Hill.

While he did not directly address his past antisemitic remarks during the performances, he told the crowd: “Tonight we're going to put all this behind us, ain't that right LA?”

Festival Fallout and Political Reaction

Opposition to West’s planned July performances — where he is slated to headline all three nights of the Wireless Festival — has intensified, with several sponsors withdrawing support and political figures voicing concern.

On Monday, festival managing director Melvin Benn defended the booking, urging critics to consider offering the artist “forgiveness.”

However, speaking Tuesday on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Benn acknowledged that organizers had not consulted Jewish groups in advance.

“Potentially we should have done,” he said, “and that may prove to be a mistake that we made.”

He added that outreach attempts were made after the lineup announcement last week, but said community representatives “have refused a meeting.”

Addressing concerns about potential onstage controversy, Benn said any inappropriate performance — including the song Heil Hitler — would be halted immediately.

“We will have our hands on the microphone controls at all times. I've done that many times in the past,” he said.

Benn also noted that Pepsi, initially a headline sponsor, had “signed off and approved” West’s booking before later distancing itself.

The promoter, who also oversees the Reading & Leeds Festival, described West’s past conduct as “abhorrent” and “disgusting,” while emphasizing the possible role of mental health.

“Mental health is not something that disappears overnight,” he said. “People suffer psychotic behaviour, suffer bipolar behaviour, for many, many years... And I think people are forgetting that.”