Online Reporter
Kanye West has broken his silence after calls for him to be dropped by Wireless Festival and even banned from entering the country continue to mount.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called his headline appearance ‘deeply concerning’ and several sponsors have pulled out of funding the North London event.
West’s permission to enter the UK is currently being reviewed by ministers. It comes after the rapper’s antisemitic behaviour in recent years, including releasing a song called Heil Hitler and selling swastika T-shirts last year.
In a statement addressed to ‘Those I’ve hurt,’ West said:
“I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My 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 London 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. Love Ye.”
It comes after main sponsor Pepsi pulled out over West being named its headline act. The drinks giant has been a partner of the hip-hop event since 2015 but is distancing itself after the singer’s repeated antisemitic rants.
Global beverage brand Diageo, maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Captain Morgan rum, quickly followed suit and withdrew as a partner. While PayPal have now pulled their advertising from the festival – Mirror.
Mathew Masinge