Wireless Festival Canceled After UK Blocks Kanye West’s Entry

Overview

• Organizers said they canceled the July Wireless Festival after the Home Office refused Kanye West an Electronic Travel Authorization, and they will issue refunds to all ticket holders.
• The Home Office told the BBC it denied permission on public‑interest grounds, a power in UK immigration law used when a visitor is judged not beneficial to the public.
• Pepsi pulled out as lead sponsor on Sunday after West was booked, Diageo followed hours later, and PayPal said its brand will not appear on future festival materials.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the booking deeply concerning over West’s antisemitic remarks and praise of Nazism, and Conservative lawmakers urged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to bar his entry.
• Before the cancellation, Festival Republic defended hiring West, with director Melvin Benn urging a second chance, while West’s recent record includes a 2025 song titled Heil Hitler and Nazi‑themed merchandise followed by a January apology.