The Wireless music festival has been cancelled after the artist formerly known as Kanye West was denied entry to the UK due to his past antisemitic remarks. 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Ye, had been booked to headline all three days of the festival in July, but his electronic travel authorisation (ETA) was revoked by the Home Office.
A spokesperson for the London festival confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday, stating that refunds would be issued to all ticket holders. The statement said: 'The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless festival is cancelled.' The organisers added that they recognise the real and personal impact of antisemitism and that Ye had acknowledged words alone are not enough.
Ye’s application was initially granted online but was rescinded after review on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.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 criticism for antisemitic comments, including voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler and releasing a song titled 'Heil Hitler'. In January, he apologised in a Wall Street Journal advert, attributing his behaviour to bipolar disorder.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously criticised the festival for booking Ye, calling it 'deeply concerning'. The cancellation leaves organisers with three headline slots to fill at short notice, a challenge given many artists have already finalised summer schedules.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the decision, saying: 'The situation could and should have been resolved much earlier. Music festivals should be places where all communities feel welcome, not venues that platform individuals with records of profiteering from antisemitism.'
