UK blocks rapper Kanye West from entry over anti-Semitism and Nazi support

British PM Keir Starmer said it was concerning that London’s Wireless Festival had booked West in the first place.The United Kingdom has blocked United States rapper Kanye West from entering the country, citing his anti-Semitic comments and celebrations of Nazism.The rapper, now known as Ye, submitted an application on Monday to travel to Britain, having been booked to headline a summer festival. However, London has refused the request on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, the BBC reported, citing a Home Office statement issued on Tuesday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Australian minister says Kanye West could be denied entry visalist 2 of 3Adidas ends partnership with Kanye West over anti-Semitic remarkslist 3 of 3Twitter, Instagram block Kanye West over anti-Semitic postsend of listThe organisers of the Wireless Festival in London, at which West was booked to play in July, have cancelled the entire event and said refunds would be issued to all ticket holders.West had offered to meet members of the British Jewish community, as the row festered earlier on Tuesday, saying his only goal was to come to London and present a show of change, “bringing unity, peace and love through music”.“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen,” he said. “I ⁠know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re ⁠open, I’m here.”The event’s organisers had been under mounting pressure from sponsors and politicians to cancel the gigs by the rapper, who has drawn widespread condemnation for making anti-Semitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler.Last year, he released a song called “Heil Hitler” and advertised a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.West has performed in the US and Mexico City this year, but was barred from Australia last July.