Rabat – This summer’s Wireless Festival has been cancelled following the UK government’s decision to block headliner Kanye West, now known as Ye, from entering the country.

The government denied West permission to travel after facing backlash over his planned performance at the London-based festival. 

West has been involved in a series of controversies over the past several years, including making antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi statements that have sparked widespread outrage.

In a statement shared by The Guardian, a spokesperson for the London festival confirmed that Wireless Festival had cancelled the event and that refunds would be issued to all ticket holders. 

The organisers added that they had consulted with “multiple stakeholders” before booking West and that no concerns had been raised at that time.

The statement continued: “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. 

“As Ye stated today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and he still hopes to have the opportunity to begin a dialogue with the Jewish community in the UK.”

Presale tickets for Wireless Festival went on sale at midday Tuesday and reportedly sold out quickly, with the general sale scheduled for the following day.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Home Office announced to the BBC that West had submitted an application on Monday to travel to the UK using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). 

However, the decision to deny him permission was based on the fact that his presence “would not be conducive to the public good.”

Visitors to the UK typically need an ETA for short visits of up to six months unless they already hold UK immigration status or require a visa.

West’s history of controversial comments has fueled criticism.

In 2022, he posted on social media claiming he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people.” Later that year, he appeared on a podcast hosted by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, stating: “I see good things about Hitler.”

In May 2025, West released a song called “Heil Hitler” and sold T-shirts featuring swastikas.

Despite these controversies, West has been attempting to re-enter the mainstream.