London’s Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the UK government blocked Kanye West from entering the country.
The Home Office rejected an Electronic Travel Authorisation application submitted by West on the grounds that his “presence would not be conducive to the public good,” effectively barring him from headlining the three night event scheduled for July in Finsbury Park. West, who now goes by Ye, had been booked to headline all three days of the festival, marking what would have been his first UK performance in 11 years.
The announcement sparked immediate backlash from politicians and the Jewish community, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning” and condemning West’s “previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.” Major sponsors including Pepsi, Diageo, and PayPal withdrew their support in the days before the government’s decision.
Festival promoter Melvin Benn had defended the booking as recently as Monday, arguing that “forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue,” but the festival was left with no option after the visa rejection. West had offered to meet members of the UK Jewish community and pointed to the public apology he made earlier this year in a full page Wall Street Journal advertisement, which he attributed to the effects of his bipolar disorder.
However, as recently as 2025, West released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and sold swastika merchandise through his clothing line. Actor David Schwimmer praised the sponsors who pulled out, saying he believes in forgiveness “but it takes much more than this.” All ticket holders will receive automatic full refunds.
#reelheadline #pubity #viral
London’s Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the UK government blocked Kanye West from entering the country.
The Home Office rejected an Electronic Travel Authorisation application submitted by West on the grounds that his “presence would not be conducive to the public good,” effectively barring him from headlining the three night event scheduled for July in Finsbury Park. West, who now goes by Ye, had been booked to headline all three days of the festival, marking what would have been his first UK performance in 11 years.
The announcement sparked immediate backlash from politicians and the Jewish community, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning” and condemning West’s “previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.” Major sponsors including Pepsi, Diageo, and PayPal withdrew their support in the days before the government’s decision.
Festival promoter Melvin Benn had defended the booking as recently as Monday, arguing that “forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue,” but the festival was left with no option after the visa rejection. West had offered to meet members of the UK Jewish community and pointed to the public apology he made earlier this year in a full page Wall Street Journal advertisement, which he attributed to the effects of his bipolar disorder.
However, as recently as 2025, West released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and sold swastika merchandise through his clothing line. Actor David Schwimmer praised the sponsors who pulled out, saying he believes in forgiveness “but it takes much more than this.” All ticket holders will receive automatic full refunds.
#reelheadline #pubity #viral
