The UK Home Office blocked rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, from entering Britain to headline London's Wireless Festival, resulting in the cancellation of the three-day event set for July 10-12 in Finsbury Park.

Festival Republic, the organizer, confirmed the decision Tuesday and stated that refunds would be issued to all ticket holders after presale tickets sold out earlier in the day. The festival expected to draw 150,000 attendees over the weekend, with Ye slated to perform all three nights.

The denial came after Ye applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation on Monday. Officials cited his presence as not conducive to the public good, referencing a history of antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments. These included a 2022 social media post threatening "death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE," praise for Adolf Hitler, a song titled "Heil Hitler" released last May, and swastika-branded merchandise.

Ye apologized in a January full-page Wall Street Journal advertisement, denying he was a Nazi or antisemite and attributing his actions to manic episodes from bipolar disorder. He recently offered to meet Britain's Jewish community "to listen" and demonstrate change through actions, acknowledging words alone were insufficient.

Backlash erupted after the headliner announcement last week. Sponsors Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, and Diageo withdrew support. PayPal avoided branding, and apparel firm Drip opted out earlier. Haringey Council expressed disappointment, noting conflicts with local values, while London's mayor rejected a stadium proposal.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the booking "deeply concerning" and affirmed the government's stand against antisemitism. The Conservative Party urged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to deny entry, describing Ye's behavior as a persistent pattern causing distress to Jewish communities.

Jewish groups welcomed the ban. Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg stressed the need for genuine remorse before public performances. The Community Security Trust emphasized cultural leaders' role in combating hatred.

Festival managing director Melvin Benn initially defended the booking, insisting Ye would only perform radio-friendly songs without a platform for opinions. The decision followed stakeholder consultations.

Ye has not performed in the UK since 2015. Australia revoked his visa last year over similar issues.