Kanye West was not granted permission to enter the UK, where he was supposed to headline the Wireless Festival, which was supposed to be scheduled in London from 10 July. The festival recently announced that they have cancelled the event after Ye was banned from the UK over his past antisemitic remarks. They assured that those who purchased the tickets for this awaited event would be provided with refunds.
Wireless festival canceled after Kanye West gets blocked from UK
Wireless Festival recently issued a statement to announce that the event will not be taking place, as headliner Kanye West has been denied entry into the country over his earlier anti-Semitic remarks. They revealed that ahead of booking Ye, the stakeholders were consulted, “and no concerns were highlighted at the time.”
“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had,” they added. “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” (via BBC).
Earlier, the event defended West’s rights to perform in the UK despite receiving mounting pressure and criticism from prominent figures. Moreover, major sponsors also withdrew from the event, following backlash.
Ahead of the cancellation, Ye addressed the chatter around his controversies and his now-canceled appearance at the festival in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. He said, “My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.”
He further shared, “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” (via CNN).
Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange on Mandatory.
