Kanye West's right to enter UK under review after festival outcry
The rapper's appearance in London in July has caused controversy because of his past antisemitic comments.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"deeply concerning"
— Sir Keir Starmer , Politician
"not a one-off lapse, but a pattern of behaviour that has caused real offence and distress to Jewish communities"
— Chris Philp , Politician
"completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting"
— Bridget Phillipson , Politician
"we think that would be a very appropriate step were the home secretary to find a way to not allow him into the country"
— Michael Weiger , Executive
"it's great that sponsors are now doing the right thing and withdrawing their support"
— Stephen Silverman , Activist
"deeply disappointed by the decision to book an artist whose comments are at odds with our values"
— Peray Ahmet , Politician
"There is no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism."
— Bridget Phillipson , Politician
"It was deeply concerning that West had been booked to perform despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism."
— Keir Starmer , Politician
"We need to get tougher on antisemitism."
— Ed Davey , Politician
"Allowing West to play at Wireless was the wrong decision."
— Phil Rosenberg , Activist
"What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community."
— Melvin Benn , Executive
"West should be barred from performing at the festival because of his 'completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting' antisemitic remarks."
— Bridget Phillipson , Politician
"It was 'deeply concerning' that West had been booked to perform 'despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of nazism.'"
— Keir Starmer , Politician
"Benn’s words will not reassure many within the Jewish or other communities against whom Kanye West’s invective was directed."
— Phil Rosenberg , Activist
"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears."
— Keir Starmer , Politician
"Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world."
— Melvin Benn , Executive
Key People
The UK Education Secretary representing the government.
Conservative MP supporting the removal of Andrew from the royal line of succession.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Kanye West, now known as Ye, is a rapper and music producer frequently surrounded by controversy.
British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
Founder and organiser of Latitude Festival.
Michael Weiger is the chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Michael Wiger is the chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Peray Ahmet is the leader of Haringey Council.
Phil Rosenberg is the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Labour MP representing York Central.
UK Home Secretary advocating for measures to prevent online exploitation of children.
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
Stephen Silverman is a spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Tags
All Coverage
The rapper's appearance in London in July has caused controversy because of his past antisemitic comments.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that Kanye West should be barred from performing at the Wireless festival due to his antisemitic remarks, adding that there is no place for such hatred in the UK.
Despite backlash, Wireless festival promoter Melvin Benn defended the decision to have Kanye West headline, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and the separation of art from personal views.
The UK government is reviewing Kanye West's permission to enter the country following mounting pressure over his booking as the headline act for Wireless Festival.
The UK government is reviewing whether to allow Kanye West to enter the country to perform at Wireless Festival, following criticism over his antisemitic remarks and the withdrawal of major sponsors.
London's Wireless Festival is facing major backlash after announcing Kanye West as the headliner for all three nights, leading to sponsor withdrawals and political criticism.
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