The Wireless Festival has been officially canceled after Kanye West—also known as Ye—was denied entry into the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to headline the event.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, April 7, festival organizers confirmed the cancellation, citing the decision by the UK Home Office. “As a result of the Home Office banning YE from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel,” the statement read, adding that all ticket holders would receive automatic full refunds.
The annual event had been scheduled to take place in London from July 10 to July 12, with West set to headline all three nights.
In a further statement to the BBC, organizers said multiple stakeholders had been consulted prior to booking the artist and that no concerns were raised at the time. However, they acknowledged the broader controversy surrounding the rapper, particularly in relation to antisemitism.
“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognize the real and personal impact these issues have had,” the statement said, adding that West had indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Jewish community in the UK.
West’s involvement had already sparked mixed reactions prior to the cancellation. On April 6, Pepsi withdrew its sponsorship from the festival.
According to the UK Home Office, the rapper had applied to enter the country via an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but permission was denied on the grounds that his presence was not considered conducive to the public good.
Festival Republic Managing Director Melvin Benn had earlier defended the booking, stating that West was invited to perform his music and not to promote personal views.
The rapper has faced ongoing controversy in recent years over a series of antisemitic remarks. Advocacy group Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the government’s decision, stating that such actions were necessary to uphold public interest.
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