Kanye West has been stopped from performing in the United Kingdom after officials ruled that his presence “would not be in the public interest.
” The decision led to the cancellation of his planned headline shows at the Wireless Festival in London
Festival organisers confirmed that his electronic travel authorisation was withdrawn, making it impossible for him to enter the UK for the scheduled performances.
The cancellation came after strong criticism from political leaders and sponsors.
Several major companies, including Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, and Diageo, pulled their support from the event.
The move followed growing concern over West’s past comments that have been widely described as antisemitic.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also reportedly condemned the booking, adding pressure on organisers before the final decision was made
In France, West was also expected to perform at the Marseille Vélodrome on 11 June.
However, the show has now been postponed indefinitely after rising opposition from officials and local leaders
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said he was strongly committed to stopping the concert, while Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan stated that the city would not allow itself to become “a platform for hate or extremist ideas.
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West responded to the backlash on social media, saying he had decided to postpone his Marseille show.
He also said he hoped to return with a message of “unity, peace, and love through music.
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The rapper, now 48, has not performed in the UK since 2015.
In recent years, he has faced repeated criticism for controversial statements and actions, including references to Nazi imagery in music and advertising
Earlier this year, he issued an apology in a public statement, saying his behaviour was influenced by struggles with bipolar disorder and that he “lost touch with reality”
Despite offering to meet members of the Jewish community in the UK and expressing a desire to change, the controversy around his performances continues to affect his international touring plans.
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