In brief
The Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the UK government refused to allow Kanye West, now known as Ye, to enter the country amidst backlash over his controversial past comments. The festival announced the cancellation and promised refunds to ticket holders, acknowledging the impact of West's behaviour. Government officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have voiced strong support for the Jewish community in the wake of this decision.
This summer's Wireless Festival has been cancelled after headliner Kanye West was blocked from coming to the UK. The government refused permission for West, now known as Ye, to travel to the UK after backlash to his planned set at the London festival this summer. For the last several years, West has caused outrage for a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments.In a statement, Wireless Festival said it was cancelled and refunds would be issued to all ticket holders. It added that 'multiple stakeholders' had been consulted ahead of booking West, 'and no concerns were highlighted at the time'. It continued: 'Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. 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.'Presale tickets for Wireless Festival were released at midday on Tuesday and are believed to have sold out, while the general sale was due to open at midday on Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday, the Home Office told the BBC the rapper had made an application on Monday to travel to the UK via an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The decision to refuse permission was made on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.West has faced criticism for his previous comments. In 2022, he posted on social media saying he would go 'death con 3 On Jewish people'. Later the same year, he appeared on a podcast hosted by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and said: 'I see good things about Hitler.' In May 2025, West released a song called Heil Hitler and sold T-shirts featuring swastikas.The rapper has been seeking a return to mainstream public view after apologising for his actions in a lengthy statement published in the Wall Street Journal in January. Just last week, he played two sold-out concerts in Los Angeles, telling the crowd at the SoFi Stadium: 'Tonight we're going to put all this behind us, ain't that right LA?'West had said on Tuesday that he 'would be grateful' to meet members of the Jewish community in the UK in person 'to listen' after controversy over his booking. 'I know words aren't enough,' added the star. 'I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here.'
