Kanye West has been blocked from travelling to the UK following a backlash over his planned headline performance at Wireless Festival. The Government said the decision to ban the American rapper had been made on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.
West, known as Ye, was facing growing calls to be prevented from entering the country over past antisemitic comments, including releasing a song called Heil Hitler. He had offered to meet with the British Jewish community ahead of his show in London this summer.
As tickets for the three Finsbury Park concerts went on sale today, West said: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.
“My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.
“I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been urged to block West from coming to Britain for the festival this summer, while major sponsors have pulled out over the booking.
It is understood that the rapper's permission to enter the UK is currently being reviewed by ministers.
Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, said West already has a visa.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Benn said: “He has a visa already issued to appear, to come into the country, and the Home Secretary may well rescind that today, I don’t know.
“If she does, she does, and then the issue is over in terms of his appearance.”
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said it would not meet with West and added that it would protest at Wireless if his planned performances go ahead.
Cabinet minister Wes Streeting became the latest politician to say West should not appear at the festival and said organisers should be "ashamed of themselves".
He told Sky News: “I cannot for the life of me understand why Wireless still have him as a headliner.
“There are plenty of other talented artists in this country, let alone internationally, who would benefit from the exposure and who in turn would help drive ticket sales.
“To provide this kind of platform and opportunity to Kanye West against this backdrop of behaviour I think is a very bad error of judgment.”
The rapper previously apologised for his behaviour and blamed it on bipolar disorder.
Mr Benn had defended the decision to put West on the bill amid the controversy, describing himself as a “deeply committed anti-fascist” and “person of forgiveness”.
