Wireless Festival Canceled After U.K. Denies Kanye West Visa Entry Category Icon

Wireless Festival announced its cancellation after the U.K. Home Office banned Kanye West from entering the country, forcing organizers to scrap the July 10-12 London event. All tickets will be refunded. The government determined West’s appearance would not benefit public good following his long history of antisemitic behavior. West was scheduled to headline all three nights at Finsbury Park, marking his first U.K. performance in 11 years. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Keir Starmer had both criticized the booking. “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears,” Starmer said. Festival director Melvin Benn called West’s antisemitism “abhorrent” but requested forgiveness and said he deserved a “second chance.” West recently offered to meet London’s Jewish community before the festival’s cancellation.