Wireless Festival has been called off after headliner Kanye West was denied entry into the United Kingdom.
The UK government refused permission for the rapper, now known as Ye, to travel for the London event following backlash over his scheduled performance. In recent years, the artist has faced widespread criticism for a series of antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi remarks.
In a statement, Wireless Festival organisers said the Home Office revoked Ye’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), effectively blocking his entry. As a result, the festival has been cancelled, with refunds to be issued to all ticket holders.
The organisers added that multiple stakeholders had been consulted before booking Ye and no concerns were raised at the time. They also acknowledged the seriousness of antisemitism and its impact, noting that the artist had admitted that words alone are insufficient while expressing a desire to engage with the Jewish community in the UK.
Earlier, the Home Office confirmed that Ye applied for travel clearance on Monday but was refused entry on the basis that his presence would not be in the public interest.
Reacting to the development, the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the situation, suggesting the festival’s cancellation followed the loss of its headline act and the withdrawal of sponsors.
