Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship from London’s Wireless Festival, citing concerns about the festival’s headliner, Kanye West, who now goes by Ye.
According to a spokesperson and reporting by The Independent, the decision stems from West’s past anti-Semitic remarks and controversial behavior, including the release of a song titled Heil Hitler.
Ye has publicly apologized for his actions. As reported by BBC, he took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, stating, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.” He explained that many of his past actions were influenced by an undiagnosed bipolar disorder resulting from a car accident in 2001, which caused both visible and internal injuries that went initially unnoticed.
In the statement, Ye said, “One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments – many of which I still cannot recall – that led to poor judgment and reckless behavior… I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.”
Despite Ye’s apology, Pepsi confirmed it would no longer sponsor the festival, which he is headlining as part of his promotion for the upcoming album Bully, including a US-based tour.
