The UK has refused entry to US artist Ye (formerly Kanye West), citing repeated antisemitic actions, and organizers have cancelled his scheduled appearance at the Wireless Festival in July. Festival organisers said on Instagram that, “As a result of the Home Office banning Ye from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel.” They added that refunds will be issued to ticket holders for the three-day open-air event planned for Finsbury Park, London.
The UK Home Office told the BBC the performer’s presence would not be “conducive to the public good.” The move follows a series of controversies: last year Ye released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and offered a swastika T-shirt for sale, and he has previously made statements praising Adolf Hitler. In January he issued a public apology, attributing his behaviour and antisemitic remarks to mental illness.
Several sponsors — including Pepsi, Rockstar Energy and Diageo — withdrew support after Festival Republic booked Ye as a headliner. Festival Republic defended the booking and called for “forgiveness,” a stance criticised by politicians. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the booking was “deeply concerning,” and Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Festival Republic’s defence as “absurd,” saying Ye should “absolutely not” be allowed to perform in the country.
Before the ban was announced, Ye said he wanted to meet UK Jewish leaders to demonstrate a change of heart through actions. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, responded that the community would want to see genuine remorse and change before accepting that the main stage at Wireless was an appropriate place to test that sincerity.
Edited by Wesley Rahn