The Wireless Festival in London has been canceled after rapper Kanye West (who now performs under the name Ye) was banned from entering the UK. This was reported by the BBC, writes UNN.
Details
The artist was supposed to headline the event in July, but the country's Home Office revoked his electronic travel authorization (ETA). As officials explained, the musician's presence "would not be conducive to the public good."
The festival organizers stated that they would refund all pre-purchased tickets. They added that before inviting the artist, they consulted with stakeholders and initially there were no objections.
Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent, and we recognize the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and despite this, still hopes to have the opportunity to initiate dialogue with the Jewish community in the UK.
West's entry application was initially approved online, but was later reviewed and canceled. This decision was made amid public and political pressure related to the artist's antisemitic statements.
Addition
Wireless is one of Britain's largest music festivals, attracting up to 150,000 people each year.
Recall
Pepsi stopped its long-standing sponsorship of the British festival after criticism from Keir Starmer. The reason was Kanye West's antisemitic statements.