Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has turned down Kanye West’s request to hold concerts at its stadium in London because of the rapper’s past antisemitic statements.
West, 46, had planned to promote his new album with shows at the club’s stadium, but Tottenham declined, citing concerns for its fan base and the club’s historic ties to the Jewish community.
The club has a significant Jewish following and has always embraced that connection. Sources told British media that allowing someone with a history of offensive remarks about Jews would directly insult the fans and the wider community.
A Tottenham insider told The Sun, “We are proud of our heritage and our connection to the Jewish community. Antisemitism has no place at Tottenham, and inviting someone who has promoted such views is completely unacceptable.”
After being rejected by Tottenham, West approached the Wireless Festival, which agreed to host him as the headline act for all three days of the event at Finsbury Park from July 10–12. This decision has drawn strong criticism and led several major sponsors to pull out.
Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed concern, saying, “It is deeply worrying that Kanye West is booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and support of Nazism. Antisemitism in any form is unacceptable and must be challenged. Everyone must ensure that Jewish people in Britain feel safe.”
West has repeatedly made antisemitic comments in recent years. He released a clothing item featuring a swastika and in February 2025 posted online, “I am a Nazi, I love Hitler.” He also said he would “never trust Jews” or “work with Jews” and refused to apologize at the time.
However, in November 2025, he met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto and apologized for his past antisemitic comments.
West explained his actions, saying, “I was dealing with various issues, including bipolar disorder. I went too far with my ideas and failed to protect those around me and myself. I wanted to take responsibility… Bipolar disorder affects how people behave and think. It’s like leaving your house and your child makes a mess of the kitchen, garage, and living room. When you return, it’s your responsibility to fix it. That’s how I see it.”
In January, West issued another apology through a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal, stating, “I am not a Nazi or antisemitic. Bipolar disorder can make you manic and unaware of reality. I deeply regret and feel ashamed of my actions.”
