The managing director of Wireless Festival has defended the decision to choose Kanye West as a headliner, encouraging people to offer the rapper "forgiveness".
It follows a backlash over West's scheduled appearance in July, which has seen sponsors pull out of the London event and criticism from politicians. The star released a song called Heil Hitler and sold swastika T-shirts last year. He later apologised and blamed his bipolar disorder.
Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, said: "Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world."
But Jewish groups have criticised Benn's support for the star.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said that the Wireless boss's statement "will not reassure many within the Jewish or other communities".
