UK Bars Ye; Wireless Festival Canceled

The British government announced Tuesday it was denying Ye — formerly known as Kanye West — from entering the country, forcing Wireless Festival, which he was due to headline, to cancel.

The Home Office, which handles immigration for the UK, told the BBC “the decision to refuse permission was made on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.”

The announcement that Ye would top the bill at the festival, which was scheduled for July 10-12 at London’s Finsbury Park, drew widespread outrage due to the rapper’s history of antisemitic comments, pro-Nazi statements and the release of his song “Heil Hitler,” which led to the Australian government denying his visa last year. Ye has since apologized for those comments, citing his history of bipolar disorder.

“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time,” the festival’s promoter, Live Nation subsidiary Festival Republic, said in a statement. “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”

Presales for the festival began midday Tuesday UK time with the general onsale scheduled for Wednesday. Wireless said refunds would be issued.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “deeply concerned” by Ye’s headline spot.

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” Starmer told The Sun. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

On X Tuesday, Starmer said, “Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless. This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.”

Top sponsors fled the festival after the backlash to the announcement Ye would headline. Title sponsor Pepsi withdrew, as did spirits giant Diageo and energy drink Rockstar. PayPal remained a sponsor but asked its branding not be used.

Ye has previously used symbolism evocative of the swastika and briefly sold swastika T-shirts on his website. In October 2022, he tweeted he was ready to go “death con [sic] 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.” In February 2025, he tweeted “I am a Nazi,” “Hitler was sooooo fresh,” “I don’t like or trust any Jewish person,” and “[antisemitism is] just some bullshit Jewish people made up to protect their bullshit.”

Ahead of the Home Office’s decision, in a last ditch effort, Ye, who hasn’t performed in the UK since 2015, said he wanted to come to the UK to bring “unity, peace and love through my music” and that he’d meet with members of the British Jewish community.

“I know words aren’t enough,” he said. “I’ll have to show change through my actions.”