The UK government is reviewing whether Kanye West should be allowed to enter the country following mounting backlash over his planned appearance at Wireless Festival.
The US rapper, now known as Ye, has faced widespread criticism over past antisemitic comments, including releasing a song titled Heil Hitler and selling swastika-themed T-shirts last year. He later apologised, attributing his actions to manic episodes linked to bipolar disorder.
Ministers have the authority to deny entry to foreign nationals if their presence is deemed not “conducive to the public good”. It is understood that officials are now considering whether West should be granted permission to enter the UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the prospect of the rapper headlining the festival as “deeply concerning”.
The controversy has intensified in recent days, with multiple brands withdrawing sponsorship from the event. Critics have also urged organisers to cancel West’s appearance and called for his visa to be denied.
The Conservative Party said “allowing someone with his track record to headline a major public event sends entirely the wrong message”.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said West’s actions were “not a one-off lapse, but a pattern of behaviour that has caused real offence and distress to Jewish communities”.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the rapper’s comments were “completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting” and added: “There is no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism from him or from anyone else.”
Michael Weiger also called for West to be denied entry, saying: “We think that would be a very appropriate step were the home secretary to find a way to not allow him into the country.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews accused the festival, its parent company Festival Republic, and managing director Melvin Benn of “profiteering from racism”.
Campaigners have also voiced concern. Campaign Against Antisemitism described the booking as “astonishing”, with spokesperson Stephen Silverman questioning how the decision was made.
The festival is scheduled to take place in Finsbury Park from 10 to 12 July, with organisers expecting around 50,000 attendees per day.
Sponsorship withdrawals have continued, with brands including Rockstar Energy, Pepsi, Diageo and PayPal distancing themselves from the event.
Local authorities have also raised concerns. Peray Ahmet said she was “deeply disappointed by the decision to book an artist whose comments are at odds with our values in Haringey”.
She added that while the council could not dictate performers, it would work “to ensure public safety and make clear the serious concerns expressed by local residents”.
The Mayor of London’s office is also understood to have previously declined a request for West to perform at the London Stadium over community concerns and reputational risks. Tottenham Hotspur FC reportedly rejected a similar proposal.
West, 48, has previously been refused entry to Australia, which cancelled his visa after the release of Heil Hitler.
In a January apology published in the Wall Street Journal, he wrote: “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite.” He added that bipolar disorder meant when “you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick” and that he had “lost touch with reality”.
“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state,” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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