Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from coming to UK
Wireless Festival Cancellation Follows Kanye West’s UK Entry Block
The summer edition of the Wireless Festival has been scrapped after the UK government denied entry to Kanye West, now performing under the name Ye. This decision came after significant backlash against his planned appearance at the London-based event. West has drawn criticism over the years for making antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi remarks.
“The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, preventing his entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelling and issuing refunds to all ticket holders,” the festival confirmed in a statement.
The festival noted that prior to securing Ye’s performance, they had engaged with various stakeholders, with no prior objections raised. They emphasized that antisemitism in any form is unacceptable and acknowledged the personal impact of such issues. Ye expressed his intent to engage with the Jewish community, stating he would “listen” to representatives in person.
“I know words aren’t enough,” he added. “I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
Presale tickets for the festival were released at midday on Tuesday and reportedly sold out, while general sale tickets were set for Wednesday. Earlier that day, the Home Office announced that Ye had applied for an ETA to visit the UK, citing that his presence would not align with public good. Visitors requiring short stays under six months or existing UK status do not need an ETA.
In response to the cancellation, a Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson remarked: “With no headliner and sponsors withdrawing, Wireless had to cancel. How did it come to this? It seems ‘no concerns were highlighted’ about Kanye West. Who were they consulting? A wall? That’s what happens when the only stakeholders you speak to are those who benefit from profit.”
“It’s nice that now Wireless is saying ‘Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent,’ when just hours ago the promoter was claiming we should forgive Kanye for recently labeling himself a Nazi,” the group added.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, the festival’s organizer, previously stated that efforts were made to connect with Jewish groups after the lineup was announced. However, he claimed these groups had “refused a meeting.” Benn argued that mental health factors, such as psychosis or bipolar episodes, should be considered. “Mental health doesn’t vanish overnight,” he said. “People suffer from these conditions for years, and others are forgetting that.”
The Board of Deputies clarified that they had not turned down meeting requests from Benn. A letter sent on 6 April proposed a meeting in response to concerns raised. “We responded positively,” a spokesperson said. “Regardless of any discussion, we had made it clear that West’s performance should be rescinded.” This decision was now out of the festival’s and West’s hands.