David Schwimmer Condemns Kanye West's Wireless Festival Booking

The actor calls on remaining sponsors to exit the event over West's history of antisemitic remarks.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:39am

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An abstract, minimalist composition using bold, jagged shapes and high-contrast colors to conceptually represent the tension between Kanye West's antisemitism and the backlash from sponsors and public figures.As corporate sponsors withdraw from Wireless Festival over Kanye West's booking, the event faces growing scrutiny over its decision to platform an artist known for hateful, antisemitic rhetoric.Los Angeles Today

Actor David Schwimmer has denounced the decision to book Kanye West, now known as Ye, as a headliner for the 2026 Wireless Festival in London. Schwimmer praised corporate sponsors like Pepsi, PayPal, and Diageo for withdrawing their support from the event, and urged other sponsors like Budweiser, Beat Box Beverages, Drip Water, and Big Green Coach to follow suit. The actor criticized Ye's apology for his past antisemitic comments as insincere, and called on the rapper to take concrete actions to make amends, such as removing the song 'Heil Hitler' and donating festival earnings to Jewish charities.

Why it matters

Schwimmer's condemnation highlights the ongoing backlash against Ye's history of hateful rhetoric, which has caused 'irreparable damage' and fueled 'worldwide hatred and inspired violence against Jews everywhere.' The departure of major sponsors underscores the growing consequences Ye faces for his controversial statements and behavior.

The details

In a lengthy social media post, Schwimmer thanked corporate sponsors who have backed out of Wireless Festival following the announcement of Ye as a headliner. The actor denounced Ye's apology for his antisemitic comments, saying it was 'perhaps part of a PR scheme' and that the rapper's 'erratic behavior has repeatedly shown he can't be trusted.' Schwimmer called on Ye to take concrete actions to make amends, such as removing the song 'Heil Hitler,' meeting with Jewish leaders and artists, and donating a portion of his Wireless earnings to charitable Jewish organizations in the U.K.

  • Schwimmer posted his statement on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Ye is scheduled to perform at Wireless Festival in London later in 2026.

The players

David Schwimmer

An American actor best known for his role as Ross Geller on the sitcom Friends, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Kanye West's antisemitic remarks.

Kanye West

An American rapper, producer, and fashion designer, who has faced widespread backlash for his history of antisemitic comments and behavior, including the release of a song titled 'Heil Hitler.'

Wireless Festival

An annual music festival held in London, which has faced criticism for booking Kanye West as a headliner in 2026 despite his history of antisemitism.

Pepsi, PayPal, and Diageo

Corporate sponsors who have withdrawn their support from the 2026 Wireless Festival in response to Kanye West's booking.

Keir Starmer

The British Prime Minister, who has expressed concern over Kanye West's booking for Wireless Festival.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike Wireless and Festival Republic, they decided not to platform an artist who became one of the most recognizable hate-mongering bigots in the world – while the other orgs seek only to profit from one.”

— David Schwimmer, Actor

“Remember: Ye's apologized before, only to retract that apology and double down on his virulent hatred of Jewish people.”

— David Schwimmer, Actor

“It's deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.”

— Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister

What’s next

Schwimmer has called on additional sponsors, including Budweiser, Beat Box Beverages, Drip Water, and Big Green Coach, to withdraw their support from the 2026 Wireless Festival in response to Kanye West's booking.

The takeaway

Schwimmer's condemnation of Kanye West's Wireless Festival booking highlights the ongoing consequences the rapper faces for his history of antisemitic rhetoric and behavior. The withdrawal of major corporate sponsors underscores the growing intolerance for Ye's hateful views, and the pressure on event organizers to reconsider platforming artists who promote harmful ideologies.