The Wireless music festival has been cancelled after the artist formerly known as Kanye West was banned from entering the UK over his past antisemitic comments. West, legally known as Ye, had been booked to headline all three days of the festival in July, but his electronic travel authorisation (ETA) was revoked by the Home Office on Monday.
The Home Office said his presence in the UK would not be conducive to the public good. The festival organisers confirmed the cancellation and said refunds would be issued to ticket holders. '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,' a statement read.
Ye has faced widespread criticism for antisemitic remarks, including voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler. Last year he released a song called Heil Hitler, and previously advertised a swastika T-shirt. In January, he took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal apologising for his behaviour, attributing it to bipolar disorder.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had called the booking 'deeply concerning'. Downing Street later confirmed that all available options remained on the table regarding Ye's visa status. The ban left the festival with three headline slots to fill at short notice, contributing to the decision to cancel.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic which promotes Wireless, said Ye 'intended to come in and perform' and that organisers were 'not giving him a platform to extol opinion... only to perform the songs'. Phil Rosenberg of the Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the ban, saying lessons should be learned across the industry.
