The U.K.’s Wireless Festival has sparked widespread condemnation for its decision to book Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the headliner for all three nights of its upcoming event at Finsbury Park in London. The announcement, made by Festival Republic (part of Live Nation), details Ye’s “three-night journey through his most iconic records” in support of his new album, “Bully.” These will be West’s first U.K. performances in 11 years.

The U.K.’s Jewish Leadership Council was swift to issue a statement condemning the booking, calling it “deeply irresponsible.” A spokesperson highlighted the record levels of antisemitism faced by the U.K. Jewish community, citing terrorist attacks and foiled plots. The Council emphasized West’s long history of using his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging, including releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” selling T-shirts adorned with swastikas, and openly declaring himself a Nazi. They urged any venue or festival to reconsider providing a platform to West given his history.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism in the U.K. also vehemently opposed the booking, stating that West has dedicated years to inciting hatred against Jews, impacting a vast audience given his significant following. The charity noted West’s recurring cycle of apology followed by relapse, with his most recent apology coinciding, as in the past, with the release of his new album, “Bully.” This pattern was observed previously in 2023, just before the release of his “Vultures” album. The Campaign expressed disappointment that venues are quick to host someone who has recently peddled conspiracy theories, Hitler worship, and bigoted lies, questioning the accountability of such platforms if West returns to his old ways.

West’s most recent apology came in January, through a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, where he attributed his past hate speech to brain damage resulting from a 2022 car crash and subsequent mental health issues. In the apology, he expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging that he became “detached from my true self” and “gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it.” He claimed to be “committed to accountability” and asserted that he is “not a Nazi.”

This history of controversial statements led to the collapse of West’s music and fashion empire in 2022. During a month-long spree of antisemitic comments, he printed the neo-Nazi phrase “White Lives Matter” on shirts at his Yeezy Paris Fashion Week show, stated he was going “death con [sic] 3 on Jewish people,” and repeatedly praised Hitler. These incidents resulted in the termination of lucrative deals with major business partners including Balenciaga, Adidas, Gap, Foot Locker, and UMG, as well as the cancellation of a planned documentary and his representation by talent agency CAA.

Despite the backlash and consequences, Ye has continued to perform, having previously headlined Wireless Festival in 2014. His return to the stage includes two shows at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on April 1.