UK Denies Entry to Kanye West Over Antisemitic Behavior

The UK has denied US entertainer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, entry into the country over his repeated antisemitic antics. The disgraced rapper had been scheduled to perform at the "Wireless Festival" in July. "As a result of the Home Office banning Ye from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel," the event's organizers announced Tuesday on Instagram. Organizers said refunds would be sent to ticket holders for what was to be a three-day, open-air event in London's Finsbury Park. The BBC on Tuesday quoted the UK Home Office as saying that the US performer's presence would not be "conducive to the public good." Why is Ye controversial? Last year, Ye, who has repeatedly praised Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler , released a song called "Heil Hitler" and advertised a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website. In January, he released a public apology , blaming his bizarre behavior and rank antisemitism on mental illness. Wireless sponsors Pepsi, Rockstar Energy and Diageo all withdrew support after organizers Festival Republic invited Ye to headline the event. Festival Republic said it supports the entertainer and urged "forgiveness." Prior to the decision, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had called Ye's booking "deeply concerning." On Tuesday, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting went one better, slamming Festival Republic's defense as "absurd," and adding that Ye should "absolutely not" be allowed to perform in the country. Before the story broke, Ye issued a statement expressing the desire to meet with UK Jewish leaders to prove his change of heart through deeds. Board of Deputies of British Jews President Phil Rosenberg, said in response, "The Jewish community will want to see a genuine remorse and change before believing that the appropriate place to test this sincerity is on the main stage at the Wireless Festival." Edited by: Wesley Rahn