Muslim leaders call for Kanye West Wireless ban amid antisemitism row
EXCLUSIVE: Three senior imams urge cancellation and potential government intervention as pressure intensifies over Ye’s planned London performance
Muslim community leaders have joined growing calls for the cancellation of Kanye West’s Wireless gig – and urged ministers to step in if the festival’s organisers fail to act.
The event’s promoter, Melvin Benn, last night defended the decision to host the artist currently known as Ye, despite his record of persistent antisemitic rhetoric and the fact that he released a song entitled ‘Heil Hitler’ just months ago.
But in an unprecedented expression of solidarity, three senior imams have today called for action to stop the event.
Imam Qari Asim, co-chair of the British Muslim Network, told Jewish News: “The prospect of Kanye West being given a platform at Wireless Festival is deeply troubling given his repeated antisemitic and racist remarks.
“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears. Platforming individuals associated with hateful and divisive views about any community risks normalising hate and sending a harmful message that these attitudes are tolerated.
“British Jews, along with all other minority communities, must feel safe and protected in our society. Public platforms have a responsibility to uphold these values and ensure they do not contribute to division or harm. Wireless should seriously consider removing West from the bill.”
Leicester-based imam and chaplain Asim Hafiz added: “Wireless’s decision to continue with this booking should concern us all. This is not simply about entertainment but about the moral standards we uphold in public life. Someone associated with antisemitic rhetoric and Nazi imagery should not be normalised on a major public stage. At a time when Jewish communities already feel vulnerable, this sends the wrong message.
“The relevant authorities should reflect carefully on what this decision says about the standards we are prepared to defend as a society.”
His message was reflected by Imam Monawar Hussain, founder of The Oxford Foundation, who told Jewish News: “At a time of rising antisemitism and growing insecurity across Jewish, Muslim, and other minority communities, public platforms carry real moral responsibility. Permitting Ye, whose public statements have included antisemitic rhetoric, to perform at the Wireless Festival risks normalising hate precisely when society needs leadership rooted in unity, courage, dignity, and respect for all.
“If the festival fails to cancel Kanye West, then I hope the government will act to prevent him from coming to the UK.”
Alongside these calls, Creative Community for Peace has issued a strongly worded statement urging Festival Republic to reconsider the booking, warning that “booking Ye to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival is more than a programming decision. It is a statement.”
The group said Ye’s “record of antisemitism, hate, and bigotry is clear, well-documented, and impossible to dismiss as a misunderstanding”, adding that “this is a pattern, not an episode.”
It pointed to his repeated conduct, including public praise for Adolf Hitler, declaring himself a Nazi, and selling swastika-branded merchandise tied to a Super Bowl advertisement, as well as releasing a track titled Heil Hitler, later removed from major streaming platforms.
The organisation added: “Words from a platform this large do not stay on stage.”
It also raised concerns about the sincerity of Ye’s past apologies, stating: “This follows a well-established pattern of apology, retraction, and escalation.”
The statement stressed that “redemption requires sustained accountability, not premature rehabilitation driven by commercial opportunity,” and called on Festival Republic to act, noting that multiple major brands have already withdrawn sponsorship.
“Silence from those with platforms is not neutrality. It is a choice.”
Meanwhile, Ye has responded publicly, saying he wants to demonstrate change and engage directly with the Jewish community.
He wrote this morning: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only 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 the UK 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.”
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