The Wireless music festival has been cancelled after the artist formerly known as Kanye West was banned from entering the United Kingdom. The rapper, legally known as Ye, was due to headline all three days of the London festival in July, but his electronic travel authorisation (ETA) was withdrawn by the Home Office.
A spokesperson for the festival confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday, stating that the Home Office had revoked Ye's ETA, denying him entry. Refunds will be issued to all ticket holders. The organisers noted that multiple stakeholders were consulted before booking Ye and no concerns were raised at the time, adding that antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent.
Ye's initial application was granted online but was rescinded after review on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good. The rapper has faced widespread criticism for antisemitic remarks, including voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler, releasing a song titled 'Heil Hitler', and advertising a swastika T-shirt. In January, he apologised in a full-page Wall Street Journal advert and attributed his actions to bipolar disorder.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously called the booking 'deeply concerning'. Downing Street said decisions on entry are made on a case-by-case basis, and the government has not hesitated to act against those who pose a threat to public safety or seek to spread extremism.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the ban, expressing gratitude for cross-political support and hoping lessons are learned across the industry. He stated that music festivals should be places where all communities feel welcome, not platforms for individuals with records of profiteering from antisemitism and racism.
Ye's ban leaves the festival with just three months to fill headline slots, a challenge given that many artists have already scheduled their summer tours. The festival's organisers had used a single A-list name to headline all three days, limiting replacement options.
