A day before going on sale to the general public, London’s Wireless Festival has been canceled after headliner Kanye West was denied entry into the United Kingdom, bringing an abrupt end to days of controversy surrounding his planned appearance.
Now known as YE, the artist has faced widespread criticism for a series of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi statements that have turned him into an industry pariah. The U.K. government refused permission for him to travel following backlash over his inclusion on the July 10-12 lineup in Finsbury Park, which he was to headline all three nights. Yesterday (April 6), major sponsors such as Pepsi, Diageo, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Rockstar Energy and PayPal pulled out of the festival.
In a statement confirming the cancellation, festival organizers said, “The Home Office has withdrawn YE’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.”
The statement added that “multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time,” while also acknowledging the broader impact of the controversy: “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognize the real and personal impact these issues have had.”
According to the Home Office, West applied earlier this week for entry via the U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system. His application was denied on the grounds that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good,” a standard used to block entry in certain cases.
Earlier today, West claimed he would be “grateful” for the opportunity to meet with members of the U.K. “I know words aren’t enough,” he said in a statement. “I’ll have to show change through my actions.” The artist’s new album, Bully, debuted last week at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
