{"id":360308,"date":"2026-04-02T13:08:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/360308\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T13:08:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:08:09","slug":"sadiq-khan-distances-himself-from-kanye-wests-wireless-festival-booking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/360308\/","title":{"rendered":"Sadiq Khan distances himself from Kanye West\u2019s Wireless Festival booking"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Sadiq Khan has made it clear he had no role in Kanye West\u2019s Wireless Festival booking as backlash mounts over the rapper\u2019s controversial past comments. \n <\/p>\n


\n By Lizzie Baker<\/a> \n <\/p>\n

Thursday, April 2, 2026\u00a012:47 PM <\/p>\n


\n By Lizzie Baker<\/a> \n <\/p>\n

Thursday, April 2, 2026\u00a012:47 PM <\/p>\n


\n \"Credit:
\n
\n Credit: Getty Images
\n <\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly stepped back from Kanye West\u2019s headline slot at Wireless Festival, insisting City Hall had nothing to do with the decision.<\/p>\n

Ye \u2014 who released his new album Bully on March 28 \u2014 is set to perform across three nights at Finsbury Park from July 10\u201312, but the announcement has sparked immediate criticism given his history of antisemitic remarks and inflammatory behaviour.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the mayor told Complex: \u201cWe are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London\u2019s values. This was a decision taken by the festival organisers and not one that City Hall is involved in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The UK\u2019s Jewish Leadership Council condemned the booking as \u201cdeeply irresponsible,\u201d pointing to a surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide. <\/p>\n

They told Billboard: \u201cThe UK Jewish community is facing record levels of antisemitism\u2026 including a terrorist attack in Manchester, the attack on ambulances in Golders Green and foiled plots which would have killed many more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kanye\u2019s Wireless appearance comes just months after he issued a lengthy public apology in the Wall Street Journal, addressing both the Jewish and Black communities and reflecting on a severe bipolar episode. <\/p>\n

In the full\u2011page letter, he admitted: \u201cI lost touch with reality\u2026 I said and did things I deeply regret,\u201d adding that he gravitated toward \u201cthe most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika,\u201d during a manic period he described as \u201cpsychotic, paranoid and impulsive.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wrote that he was \u201cdeeply mortified\u201d by his actions and committed to \u201caccountability, treatment, and meaningful change,\u201d stressing: \u201cI am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rapper \u2014 who has four children with ex\u2011wife Kim Kardashian and is now married to Bianca Censori \u2014 also apologised to the Black community, saying he wants \u201cpeace and understanding\u201d as he focuses on \u201cpositive, meaningful art.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the controversy, Wireless organisers have not commented further, and Ye remains locked in as the festival\u2019s three\u2011night headliner.<\/p>\n


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