Pepsi, Diageo, PayPal and AB InBev have withdrawn their sponsorship of this year’s Wireless festival after Ye, formerly known as Kayne West, was announced as headliner.

This decision followed public pressure from fans of the event over the decision to book Ye for the event despite his antisemitic remarks.

The public pressure stems from Ye’s past behaviour which has included releasing a song titled Heil Hitler and selling clothing branded with swastikas. He later apologised for his actions in a letter written for the Wall Street Journal.

Pepsi was the main sponsor for the event and Diageo brands Johnnie Walker and Captain Walker had been listed as partners.

There has also been concern from politicians over the booking, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning”. Ministers are also reviewing whether the musician should be allowed to enter the country. This comes after he was banned from entering Australia last year.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has condemned Wireless for “profiteering from racism”, while the Jewish Leadership Council has described the booking as “deeply irresponsible”.

However, Festival Republic, the event’s promoter, has stood by the decision. Managing Director Melvin Benn argued that Wireless is a platform for music rather than views.

He said: ““Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world and I would ask people to reflect on their instant comments of disgust at the likelihood of him performing (as was mine) and offer some forgiveness and hope to him [Ye] as I have decided to do.”

Ye also responded to the controversy, issuing an updating version of his ‘To Those I Hurt’ apology.

He said: ““I’ve 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.

“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough — I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”

*The BBC reported that UK Government denied the musician’s application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on the grounds that his presence “would not be conductive to the public good”.

*Article amended to show most recent update

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter