David Schwimmer Slams Kanye West as 'Hate-Mongering Bigot' Amid Festival Controversy
On Monday, David Schwimmer voiced his support for sponsors who withdrew from the U.K.’s Wireless Festival after Kanye West, now known as Ye, was announced as a headliner. The festival has since been canceled entirely due to public outcry.
Schwimmer, a Jewish actor known for his role in “Friends,” previously condemned Ye’s antisemitic tirades, including a self-identification as a Nazi last year. As sponsors pulled their support leading up to the U.K. government’s travel ban on Ye, the festival’s cancellation followed shortly thereafter.
“Until Ye demonstrates a commitment to building back trust — not only with the Jewish community but with ALL the fans he left heartbroken and disappointed by his hateful rhetoric the last several years — he should not be granted a platform to perform,” Schwimmer articulated in a detailed Instagram essay.
He labeled Ye as “one of the most recognizable hate-mongering bigots in the world,” accusing him of leveraging his celebrity to spread hatred against Jewish individuals.
This statement comes as Ye attempts to distance himself from his past glorification of Hitler while promoting his new album, “Bully,” which has debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ye’s comeback has included large performances in Mexico City and Inglewood, with more scheduled appearances, including a headlining spot at an Italian music festival.
Earlier this year, he took out a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, where he expressed remorse for his antisemitic comments, attributing them to a prolonged manic episode.
Ye, fka Kanye West, takes out a full-page in the Wall Street Journal to apologize to the Black community, and for antisemitism:
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 26, 2026
“I lost touch with reality” pic.twitter.com/Po8s4gNz5P
Reportedly, he completed his new album before the ad was published. Just two days after its release, Wireless announced that he would headline three nights of the festival, prompting major sponsors like Pepsi and PayPal to withdraw their support.
In his Instagram essay, Schwimmer highlighted Ye’s retraction of a 2023 apology for his antisemitism, noting that he later “doubled down on his virulent hatred of Jewish people.”
“An apology letter is just that: Words on paper. An advertisement generating publicity before a concert tour. It does not erase years of abuse,” Schwimmer stated emphatically.
“I believe in forgiveness, but it takes much more than this.”
Before Wireless canceled its festival on Tuesday, Ye expressed his desire to perform at the event to demonstrate “change” and promote “unity, peace, and love through my music.”
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen,” he told Complex in a statement.
“I know words aren’t enough. I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
