Lib Dems condemn Kanye West booking for Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park

Haringey Liberal Democrats have condemned the announcement that Kanye West (also known as Ye) will headline all three nights of the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park this July.

The booking has sparked serious concern because of Kanye West’s well-documented record of antisemitic behaviour. He has publicly praised Adolf Hitler and Nazis, posted that he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people”, and has been associated with the promotion of Nazi imagery.

While West apologised in January for his actions, attributing his behaviour to his bipolar-1 disorder, previous apologies were later retracted and followed by further inflammatory statements, West selling swastika T-shirts, and him releasing a song called Heil Hitler. The song led to him being blocked from entering Australia last summer following an intervention from the Australian Government.

Haringey is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, including a large and valued Jewish community. The announcement also comes just days after Haringey Councillors unanimously passed a motion committing the council to stand up against right-wing hatred.

Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader, Cllr Luke Cawley-Harrison, said:
“It is completely inappropriate and unacceptable for anyone with a track record of praising Adolf Hitler and declaring themselves a Nazi to be given a platform to perform - especially in a publicly-owned park. Many residents will be horrified at the idea that Haringey Council is making money from someone who spreads hatred and bigotry.”

Cllr Cawley-Harrison has already raised the Liberal Democrat's concerns with Haringey’s Chief Executive.

Cllr Cawley-Harrison added: “Haringey Council cannot on the one hand pass motions condemning hatred and extremism, and on the other hand profit from giving a platform to someone associated with antisemitism and Nazi symbolism. That is a clear contradiction.

“This is about the values our borough stands for. Jewish residents, and all those who believe in decency and tolerance, deserve to know that hatred will not be given a stage in our community.”

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Haringey Council to urgently set out what steps it will now take in response to Kanye West's booking for the event by Live Nation, especially in light of the new five-year contract recently agreed with the promoter for the use of Finsbury Park until 2032.