The UK government is reviewing whether Kanye West should be allowed to enter the UK after a planned appearance by the US rapper at a London festival prompted criticism over his prior antisemitic comments. The star, now known as Ye, released a song called Heil Hitler and sold swastika T-shirts last year. He later apologized and blamed his bipolar disorder's episodes of manic behaviour.
Brands have withdrawn their sponsorships of Wireless Festival, and critics are calling on its organisers to cancel his appearance and for his visa to be denied. Ministers have the power to ban foreign nationals from the UK if their presence is not considered conducive to the public good. It is understood that ministers are considering West's permission to enter the UK. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier called the prospect of him headlining the festival deeply concerning.
The rapper has already been refused entry to Australia, which cancelled his visa after he released Heil Hitler last May. The Conservative Party urged the government to refuse West a visa because 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 past antisemitic 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 stated West's past comments were completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting, affirming that he should not perform at the festival, although she did not comment on the government's potential actions regarding his visa.
Michael Weiger, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, expressed that the UK should refuse West entry, calling it a very appropriate step. The Board of Deputies accused Wireless Festival of profiteering from racism.
Stephen Silverman from the Campaign Against Antisemitism labelled the booking of West as astonishing, stating that it's great sponsors are withdrawing but questioned how he was even considered for the headline spot after his controversial statements.
West is supposed to perform at Wireless Festival from July 10-12. Several sponsors, including Rockstar Energy and Pepsi, have pulled out due to the controversy. Haringey Council leader Peray Ahmet expressed disappointment over West's booking and stated they would ensure public safety while addressing community concerns.
The Mayor of London's office had previously declined West's request to perform at the London Stadium due to community concerns and reputational risks. West has caused outrage for a series of antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments, including an image featuring a swastika combined with the Star of David. He apologised in a full-page advertisement, claiming he is not a Nazi or antisemitic, attributing his past actions to his bipolar disorder and expressing regret for the distress caused.
Brands have withdrawn their sponsorships of Wireless Festival, and critics are calling on its organisers to cancel his appearance and for his visa to be denied. Ministers have the power to ban foreign nationals from the UK if their presence is not considered conducive to the public good. It is understood that ministers are considering West's permission to enter the UK. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier called the prospect of him headlining the festival deeply concerning.
The rapper has already been refused entry to Australia, which cancelled his visa after he released Heil Hitler last May. The Conservative Party urged the government to refuse West a visa because 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 past antisemitic 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 stated West's past comments were completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting, affirming that he should not perform at the festival, although she did not comment on the government's potential actions regarding his visa.
Michael Weiger, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, expressed that the UK should refuse West entry, calling it a very appropriate step. The Board of Deputies accused Wireless Festival of profiteering from racism.
Stephen Silverman from the Campaign Against Antisemitism labelled the booking of West as astonishing, stating that it's great sponsors are withdrawing but questioned how he was even considered for the headline spot after his controversial statements.
West is supposed to perform at Wireless Festival from July 10-12. Several sponsors, including Rockstar Energy and Pepsi, have pulled out due to the controversy. Haringey Council leader Peray Ahmet expressed disappointment over West's booking and stated they would ensure public safety while addressing community concerns.
The Mayor of London's office had previously declined West's request to perform at the London Stadium due to community concerns and reputational risks. West has caused outrage for a series of antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments, including an image featuring a swastika combined with the Star of David. He apologised in a full-page advertisement, claiming he is not a Nazi or antisemitic, attributing his past actions to his bipolar disorder and expressing regret for the distress caused.
