EXCLUSIVE: Kanye West Gig Sparks Protest Fears — As Mayor Issues Groveling Message Insisting He Wasn't Behind Booking Scandal-Mired Rapper for Huge Summer City Show

RadarOnline.com can reveal kooky Kanye West is the focus of mounting protest fears ahead of a major London performance – as Mayor Sadiq Khan distanced himself from the decision to book the controversial artist for a high-profile summer festival.

West, 48, is set to headline Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park across three nights from July 10 to 12, following the release of his latest album Bully on March 28.

The announcement has triggered backlash from community groups and campaigners, citing the rapper's history of antisemitic remarks and inflammatory behavior.

London City Hall moved to clarify its position on the booking this week, emphasizing it was made independently by festival organizers and not endorsed by the mayor's office.

In a statement addressing the controversy, a spokesperson for Khan said: "We are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London's values. This was a decision taken by the festival organizers and not one that City Hall is involved in."

A City Hall source added the mayor was keen to make clear he had no role in bringing West to the capital's flagship music event.

The insider said: "There are real concerns about protests, and the mayor wanted to be absolutely clear he was not involved in this booking. He understands why people are upset and why tensions are rising."

Criticism has been particularly strong from Jewish organizations, including the UK's Jewish Leadership Council, which described the booking as "deeply irresponsible."

The group pointed to a wider climate of rising antisemitism in the UK, referencing recent incidents and heightened fears within the community.

Another source familiar with discussions around the event said the situation was being closely monitored amid fears of demonstrations.

The insider added, "There is a growing expectation that protests could take place around the festival. A lot of people feel this booking sends the wrong message, given Kanye's past statements."

West has faced sustained criticism in recent years over a series of antisemitic comments, including praising Adolf Hitler and selling merchandise featuring a swastika.

The backlash has had significant professional consequences, including severed brand partnerships and canceled appearances.

Earlier this year, West issued a lengthy public apology in a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, addressing both the Jewish and Black communities and reflecting on his mental health struggles.

He groveled: "The scariest thing about this (bipolar) disorder is how persuasive it is when it tells you: 'You don't need help.' It makes you blind, but convinced you have insight. You feel powerful, certain, unstoppable. I lost touch with reality.

"Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst. You endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to have someone who was, at times, unrecognizable. Looking back, I became detached from my true self."

He added: "In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it. One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments – many of which I still cannot recall – that led to poor judgment and reckless behaviour that oftentimes feels like an out-of-body experience.

"I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people."

West rambled on: "In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid, and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life. As the situation became increasingly unsustainable, there were times I didn't want to be here anymore."

The Gold Digger hitmaker, who shares four children with Kim Kardashian and is now married to Bianca Censori, also expressed a desire to move forward positively.

He added: "I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world. I'm not asking for sympathy or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home."