Sponsors Pull Out of Wireless Festival Over Kanye West Booking

David Schwimmer calls for remaining sponsors to follow suit, says West's apology is not enough

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass and glittering shards, capturing the fractured relationship between Kanye West and the Jewish community in a high-contrast, high-fashion aesthetic.The broken glass and glittering shards of West's damaged reputation reflect the deep divisions he has sown within the entertainment industry and beyond.Los Angeles Today

Actor David Schwimmer took to social media to thank several corporate sponsors who have pulled their support from the U.K.'s Wireless Festival, where Kanye West is set to headline. Schwimmer is asking the remaining sponsors to do the same, insisting that West still has not offered a convincing apology for his years of antisemitic statements and actions.

Why it matters

Schwimmer's statement highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding West's return to the music scene, as his history of hate speech and bigotry towards the Jewish community has caused significant damage and inspired violence. The decision by sponsors to withdraw support reflects a growing unwillingness to provide a platform for West's divisive rhetoric.

The details

Schwimmer cited West's release of the song 'Heil Hitler,' selling a swastika T-shirt, and avowing that he was a Nazi as recently as last year, only to be welcomed at the upcoming Wireless Festival. Schwimmer expressed skepticism over West's recent apology letter in the Wall Street Journal, stating that 'an apology letter is just that: Words on paper' and does not erase years of abuse. Schwimmer believes West must take concrete actions to repair the damage he has caused and rebuild trust with the Jewish community and his fans.

  • Less than a year ago, West released the song 'Heil Hitler' (rightly banned from all major streaming platforms), sold swastika T-shirts on his website, and claimed he was a Nazi.
  • About two months ago, West professed to apologize for his antisemitic remarks in a paid ad he took out in the Wall Street Journal.

The players

David Schwimmer

An actor known for his role on the TV show 'Friends' who has publicly called out West's antisemitic rhetoric and demanded that social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) ban him.

Kanye West

A hip-hop superstar who has faced widespread backlash for his history of antisemitic statements and actions, including the release of the song 'Heil Hitler' and the sale of swastika merchandise.

Wireless Festival

A music festival in the U.K. that has booked West as a headliner, despite the controversy surrounding his past remarks.

Festival Republic

The U.K. promoter behind the Wireless Festival, which is defending its decision to book West despite the backlash.

Keir Starmer

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who has condemned West's appearance at the Wireless Festival as 'deeply concerning' and 'abhorrent.'

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What they’re saying

“It's great to see companies with moral clarity. These brands have pulled sponsorship of Wireless Festival, which disgraced itself recently by scheduling Ye (formerly Kanye West) to headline.”

— David Schwimmer, Actor

“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 as I have decided to do.”

— Melvin Benn, Managing Director, Festival Republic

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

— Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.