Wireless Festival has taken another hit after Diageo confirmed it was pulling out as a sponsor—just hours after Pepsi ended its long‑running partnership. Both withdrawals come in response to the festival’s decision to book Kanye West as the headliner for all three nights, July 10–12, 2026.
Diageo, the company behind brands such as Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, told ITV News it had raised concerns directly with organisers and would not be supporting the event. Pepsi, which had been a sponsor since 2015, also announced its exit in a statement to Billboard.
The twin departures followed sharp criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who condemned the booking: “It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears.”
Community groups, including the UK’s Jewish Leadership Council, echoed those concerns, calling the decision “deeply irresponsible” at a time when antisemitism is reportedly at record levels.
The backlash comes just months after Kanye issued a public apology in the Wall Street Journal, acknowledging his past remarks during what he described as a severe mental health crisis. He admitted to being “mortified” by his actions and pledged accountability and change. His latest album, Bully, was released on March 28, with the rapper saying he is now focused on creating “positive, meaningful art.”
With two major sponsors gone and criticism continuing to mount, Wireless Festival faces growing pressure as the countdown to summer begins.
