Sponsors Pull Support from Wireless Festival After Kanye West Announced as Headliner

Major sponsors are pulling their support from the 2026 Wireless Festival following the announcement that Kanye West will headline the event.

Pepsi and Diageo, two major corporate partners, confirmed they are withdrawing sponsorship from the London-based festival, which is scheduled to take place this July.

The move comes amid ongoing backlash tied to West’s past controversial and antisemitic remarks, which have drawn criticism from political leaders and advocacy groups.

Wireless Festival, one of the UK’s largest music events, attracts tens of thousands of attendees each year. Organizers recently announced that West would headline all three days of the festival, a decision that quickly sparked public reaction.

In response, sponsors began distancing themselves. Pepsi, previously the festival’s main sponsor, said it would no longer be involved, while Diageo — which owns several major beverage brands — also confirmed it would step away from the event.

The controversy has reached political levels as well, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing concern about the decision to book West, citing his past remarks.

Advocacy groups have also weighed in, with some calling for stronger action, including barring the artist from entering the country.

This is not the first time West has faced professional consequences. Several major companies previously cut ties with him following similar controversies in recent years.

Despite the backlash, festival organizers have not announced any changes to the lineup.

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