London’s Wireless Festival has been officially cancelled following the UK government’s refusal to grant entry to its headline act, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

After intense public scrutiny over the decision to feature Ye as the main performer across all three days, the festival was ultimately cancelled. This followed the UK Home Office’s move to revoke Ye’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), citing his repeated antisemitic rhetoric as the primary reason for barring his entry.

According to an official statement from Wireless Festival, as reported by Variety, “The Home Office has withdrawn YE’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. Consequently, Wireless Festival is cancelled, and all ticket holders will receive refunds.”

The organizers further explained that “extensive consultations with various stakeholders took place prior to booking Ye, and no concerns were raised at that time.”

They added, “We unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its manifestations and recognize the profound impact these issues have on individuals and communities. As Ye himself stated today, he understands that words alone are insufficient and hopes to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the Jewish community in the UK.”

In response, a representative from Campaign Against Antisemitism criticized the festival’s handling of the situation:

“With the headline act removed and several sponsors withdrawing support, Wireless had no choice but to cancel. How did this happen? Apparently, ‘no concerns were highlighted’ when Kanye West was booked. Who exactly were they consulting? A brick wall? This is the consequence of only engaging with parties motivated by profit.”

The spokesperson continued,

“It’s convenient for Wireless to now declare ‘Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent’ when just hours earlier, the promoter was urging forgiveness for Kanye’s recent self-identification as a Nazi.”

The advocacy group also praised the UK government’s decision to block Ye’s entry, calling it “the correct course of action.”

Prior to the festival’s cancellation, Ye released a statement via the Wall Street Journal, expressing his desire to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK and address the controversy surrounding his Wireless Festival appearance.

“My primary aim is to come to London and demonstrate genuine change, promoting unity, peace, and love through my music,” Ye stated. “I would appreciate the chance to meet with representatives of the Jewish community in the UK to listen and learn.”

“I recognize that words alone are insufficient-I must prove my transformation through my actions. If there is openness, I am ready to engage.”