London's Wireless Festival has been cancelled following the UK government’s decision to block Kanye West from travelling to Britain to headline three nights at the event.
In a statement, Festival Republic said: "The Home Office has withdrawn YE's ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.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.
"As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE 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. 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."
Refunds will be issued to all ticket-holders, the organisers said.
The rapper made an application to travel to the country on Monday via an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but the UK Home Office stopped him on the grounds that his presence in the UK would "not be conducive to the public good", the Press Association understands.
The planned headline performances by West, now known as Ye, at Wireless this summer has provoked calls for him to be banned from the UK because of behaviour, which has included releasing a song called Heil Hitler and advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.
"This Government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.
"We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values."
West offered to meet the British Jewish community before his show.
He said in a statement before the Government's decision: "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."
Pre-sale tickets for Wireless Festival were released at 12pm on Tuesday and were believed to have sold out, while the general sale was due to open on Wednesday.
Source: Press Association
