Wireless Festival Defends Kanye Booking, Despite Backlash

0:00On April 6, wireless festival's boss just dropped a statement defending their booking of Kanye West for this year's lineup even after calling out the rapper's past anti-Semitic rants in Nazi praise. Melvin Ben, the managing director, says it's time for forgiveness and second chances in this divided world. Ben points to Kanye's recent apology where he blamed his outburst on bipolar disorder. He shares that for 15 years, he's dealt with someone close battling mental illness for giving despicable episodes along the way. The backlash hit hard from top UK figures, like Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadi Khan, both slamming the decision. Sponsors including Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, and Diagio pull support for wireless in 2026. Ben argues Kanye's track still blasts on UK radio, stream everywhere, and he has the legal right to enter and perform. The festival's just giving a stage for the music, millions and joy, not his opinions. Festival Republic seems locked in on the booking, while Kanye's gearing up for shows in India, Turkey, Europe, fresh off two nights at SoFi Stadium, for his new album, Bully.

1:09From the world of music, powered by AI, this is Music News Today.