Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from coming to UK
The Wireless Festival in London has been cancelled after Kanye West, also known as Ye, was denied entry to the UK by the government. The decision was made because his presence was deemed "not conducive to the public good," following years of antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi comments.
The story so far
- Apr 5
- Apr 6
- Apr 7
How outlets cover it
6 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Keir Starmer said it is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless.
Starmer said it was “deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks”.
In January, West took out a full-page advert stating: “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
Melvin Benn defended the decision to have Ye headline the event despite his “abhorrent” comments.
Wes Streeting said the rapper should not be headlining the festival.
Ye's electronic travel authorization was withdrawn because his presence would not be “conducive to the public good.”
In 2022, he posted on social media saying he would go "death con 3 On Jewish people".
Melvin Benn said attempts had been made to reach out to Jewish groups after the concerts were announced, but "they have refused a meeting".
Who and where
Related stories over time
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- Mar 27 – Mar 28 earlierHundreds of thousands march through London in stand against the far right3 articles · 2 outlets
- Apr 5 – Apr 7◆ This story
- Apr 14 – Apr 15 laterKanye West postpones France gig until further notice3 articles · 3 outlets