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. The Home Office revoked his electronic travel authorisation (ETA), stating his presence would not be conducive to the public good.
West, legally known as Ye, was scheduled to headline all three days of the festival in July. Organisers confirmed the cancellation and said refunds would be issued to all ticket holders. They acknowledged that antisemitism is abhorrent and expressed regret over the situation.
The decision followed criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the booking “deeply concerning.” The Home Office initially granted the ETA but rescinded it after review. Ye had previously made antisemitic comments and released a song titled Heil Hitler, though he later apologised in a newspaper advert.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the ban, saying music festivals should not platform individuals with records of antisemitism. The cancellation leaves organisers with limited time to fill three headline slots.
