American rapper Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, will no longer headline London’s Wireless Festival after UK authorities denied his request to enter the country.
Ye had applied for travel clearance through the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system earlier this week. Although the application was initially approved, the Home Office later reversed the decision, stating that allowing him into the country would not be “conducive to the public good,” according to reports from the BBC.
In response, Wireless Festival organizers announced the complete cancellation of this year’s event. They confirmed that all ticket holders would automatically receive full refunds. The organizers noted that multiple stakeholders had been consulted before booking Ye, and no objections were raised at the time. However, they also emphasized that antisemitism is unacceptable and acknowledged the harm such issues can cause.
The controversy stems from Ye’s past antisemitic comments, including statements expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler. He also released a controversial track titled *Heil Hitler* and previously promoted merchandise featuring a swastika.
Earlier this year, Ye issued a public apology via a full-page advertisement in the The Wall Street Journal, attributing his past behavior to his bipolar disorder. He has since expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with members of the UK’s Jewish community.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in, criticizing the festival’s decision to book the artist despite his past remarks, calling it “deeply concerning.”
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, had defended the booking prior to the ban, stating that Ye was invited solely to perform music enjoyed by fans, not to promote personal views.