Festival Republic defend Ye Wireless booking as sponsors pull out
Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of the festival, which has also faced criticism from UK political leaders and Jewish groups for booking the rapper
News By Hanna Ellington | 6 April 2026
Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn has spoken out to defend the booking of Kanye West for Wireless Festival as top sponsors have stepped back following the widespread backlash.
Two of Wireless Festival’s sponsors, Pepsi and Diageo, have both withdrawn their sponsorship after organisers announced the controversial rapper for a triple headlining slot.
“Ye’s music is played on commercial radio stations in this country,” said Benn in a statment released tonight (6 April). “It is available via live streams and…
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