Rapper had been booked to play at festival in London, prompting outcry over his past antisemitic remarks

The Wireless music festival has been cancelled after the artist formerly known as Kanye West was banned from entering the UK amid a deepening political row over his previous antisemitic statements.

West, who is legally known as Ye, made an application to travel to the UK via an Electronic Travel Authorisation on Monday but it has been blocked by officials.

A spokesperson for the festival confirmed it would no longer go ahead in July after the government decision was announced, and said refunds would be issued to those who had already bought tickets.

The statement read: “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.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.

  • scytale@piefed.zipEnglish
    7·
    16 hours ago

    Is it really a “festival” if pulling one headlining act cancels the entire thing?

    • HellsBelle@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      6·
      16 hours ago

      From the article …

      The decision to ban Ye left the Wireless organisers with three headline slots to fill at just three months’ notice. The ban came on the day presales began for this summer’s events, which were already competing in a busy field of London day festivals.

      • scytale@piefed.zipEnglish
        2·
        15 hours ago

        I know, I was alluding to them making do with their current lineups and maybe upgrading some artists as the headlining acts if they can’t get replacements. I’m sure there are other popular artists on their lineup. I guess the presales went dry when news of the ban was announced.

        • insaneinthemembrane@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          8 hours ago

          I don’t understand it either. It’s in London, there are tons of artists in London, even more tons of people going to concerts. It’s weird.