GB News is confronting escalating criticism following a segment where a guest asserted that rapper Drake's lyrics include references to 'raping women.' This controversial moment unfolded during a discussion about fellow rapper Kanye West's ban from the UK due to his history of antisemitism, which led to the cancellation of the Wireless Festival as he was scheduled to headline all three nights.
Controversial Comments on Air
During a Wednesday afternoon broadcast on the news channel, guest Kiki Turner, daughter of GB News presenter Bev Turner, offered what was described as a 'teen’s eye view' on the situation. She was accompanied in the studio by her mother and co-presenter Andrew Pierce. After explaining Kanye West's, also known as Ye, persistent popularity among younger audiences, Kiki claimed that, aside from the Heil Hitler song, his discography does not contain 'antisemitic remarks' and instead focuses on themes of self-improvement and leaving one's hometown.
She then shifted the conversation, stating: 'But you have people like Drake who is talking about stabbing people, shooting people, raping women, who performed last year for three days.' Andrew Pierce interjected, adding: 'My reaction to the controversy around this bloke is, well that’s what they’re all like, these rappers. They’re homophobic, they’re misogynistic, often antisemitic, they’re anti-everything. So I couldn’t understand what the fuss was particularly about this one because he seemed no different to all the others.'
Public Outcry and Legal Threats
Viewers have strongly contested Kiki Turner's remarks about Drake, emphasizing that he has not rapped about 'raping women.' On social media platform X, user NelsAbbey warned: 'This could prove a very expensive error by GB News. Drake is famously litigious; accusing him of “rapping about raping women” is quite a false claim to make on air.' Another user, Ilkay8silky, questioned: 'This is an absolutely ridiculous thing to say, when has Drake ever rapped about those things?'
The clip of the discussion, which GB News initially posted to social media, has since been removed. Further criticism poured in, with DeOne__ commenting: 'This is why you need to try to have a well-rounded understanding of what’s going on in the world because huh?' ReeceALJv2 added: 'This is actually an insane claim,' with numerous others suggesting Drake should pursue legal action.
Context of Wireless Festival and Kanye West Ban
Drake, known for hits like 'God’s Plan,' headlined all three nights of the Wireless Festival in 2025, though his final performance ended abruptly after only 40 minutes. In contrast, the Home Office recently revoked Kanye West's visa, prompting Wireless Festival to issue a statement confirming the event's cancellation and offering refunds to all ticketholders.
The statement elaborated: 'As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE, and no concerns were highlighted at the time. Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this, still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.'
Metro has reached out to representatives for both Drake and GB News for additional comments on the matter.
