Actor David Schwimmer, best known for ‘Friends’, has publicly thanked Pepsi, PayPal and Diageo for withdrawing sponsorship from the UK’s Wireless Festival, where Ye, formerly Kanye West, is scheduled to headline in June.
Schwimmer is calling on the festival’s remaining sponsors to follow suit, insisting that the rapper’s recent apologies have not been matched by meaningful action.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Schwimmer condemned Ye’s history of antisemitic remarks, including releasing the controversial song “Heil Hitler,” selling swastika merchandise and declaring himself a Nazi. He criticised Ye’s Wall Street Journal apology, describing it as a publicity move that does not erase years of hateful behaviour.
Schwimmer suggested concrete steps Ye could take to demonstrate genuine remorse, including publicly disavowing the song, engaging with Jewish leaders and donating part of his festival earnings to Jewish charities. He emphasised that forgiveness requires action, not just words.
The actor highlighted the festival’s ongoing support of Ye despite public backlash, noting the upcoming headlining shows in London and recent performances at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
Schwimmer warned that allowing Ye to perform without demonstrating accountability would make sponsors complicit in his past misconduct.
Wireless Festival organisers have defended Ye’s participation, citing mental health considerations and artistic freedom, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the booking as “deeply concerning.”
Schwimmer, who has previously challenged Ye over antisemitic posts on social media, reiterated that the focus should be on the rapper’s lack of credible follow-through rather than on himself.
