The UK government has placed rapper Ye's permission to enter Britain under review amid widespread backlash to his booking as headliner for London's Wireless Festival.

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is scheduled to headline all three nights of the festival on July 10-12 at Finsbury Park, marking his first UK performance in 11 years since Glastonbury in 2015. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from politicians, Jewish organizations, and sponsors due to the artist's history of antisemitic remarks.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the booking as "deeply concerning," citing Ye's previous antisemitic comments and celebration of Nazism. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called his past statements "completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting," emphasizing there is "no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism." Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp urged the government to refuse entry, describing Ye's actions as a "pattern of behaviour that has caused real offence and distress to Jewish communities."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is considering using powers under the Immigration Act to block Ye if his presence is deemed "not conducive to the public good." The Home Office has not yet received a formal visa application from Ye, but ministers are proactively reviewing his eligibility.

Ye's controversies include a 2022 social media post stating he was going "death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE," posting an image combining a swastika and Star of David, and in 2025 releasing a song titled "Heil Hitler" while selling swastika T-shirts. He was barred from Australia after the song's release. In January 2026, Ye apologized in a full-page Wall Street Journal advertisement, denying he is a Nazi or antisemite and attributing his behavior to bipolar disorder, saying he had "lost touch with reality."

Jewish groups have led the outcry. The Campaign Against Antisemitism called the booking "astonishing" and backed a ban, while the Board of Deputies of British Jews stated it would be "a very appropriate step" to deny entry. Haringey Council Leader Peray Ahmet expressed disappointment, noting concerns from the local Jewish community.

The controversy has prompted multiple sponsors to withdraw. Pepsi, Diageo, Rockstar Energy (PepsiCo), AB InBev, and PayPal have all distanced themselves from the event. Previously, the Mayor of London's office and Tottenham Hotspur declined to host Ye's concerts over similar concerns.

Festival organizers have not commented extensively, but maintain Ye has a legal right to perform. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday, with the event expected to draw 50,000 attendees daily. No decision has been announced on Ye's entry, leaving his participation in doubt.