Kanye West granted travel approval in 'past few days' as Wireless Festival boss issues fresh statement amid controversy

Alex Davies
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:51:44 +0000

Kanye West has secured approval for UK travel within the "past few days", the promoter behind Wireless Festival has confirmed, though questions remain over whether he will ultimately be permitted to perform at the July event.

Melvin Benn, who serves as managing director of Festival Republic, the company promoting Wireless, revealed the travel status on Tuesday morning.

"He has a visa already issued to appear, to come into the country, and the Home Secretary may well rescind that today, I don't know," Mr Benn told BBC Radio 4.

He added that should the Home Secretary choose to withdraw the Electronic Travel Authorisation, "the issue is over in terms of his appearance."

When pressed on the timing, Mr Benn was emphatic about when the documentation was granted.

"100 percent, it's been issued over the last few days," he confirmed.

The booking has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative politicians, with Shadow Minister Matt Vickers calling for the American rapper to be barred from the country entirely.

Speaking to GB News, the Shadow Minister of State for Illegal Immigration, Crime, Policing and Fire declared that Mr West had uttered "some horrific, vile things" and "should not be allowed to perform."

Mr Vickers framed his concerns within the context of recent incidents affecting British Jews, arguing that authorities must send a "strong signal" demonstrating that "we will not allow these people into the country to preach that hate."

Despite describing himself as an advocate for free expression, the Tory frontbencher insisted there were limits.

"The moment that free speech extends to abuse and to hatred, it causes people to fear leaving their own homes. There is a line. This is the line. We need to hold the line," he said.

The controversy stems from Mr West's documented history of antisemitic behaviour, which included releasing a track titled Heil Hitler and selling merchandise featuring swastikas last year.

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The rapper, who now goes by Ye, subsequently apologised and attributed his actions to his bipolar disorder.

Jewish organisations and parliamentarians have united in condemning the festival's decision to book the artist. Stephen Silverman from the Campaign Against Antisemitism described the booking as "astonishing."

Labour MP Rachael Maskell argued that "we cannot allow these performers to have a platform."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer weighed in on the matter, calling the headline slot "deeply concerning."

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The backlash has already had commercial consequences, with a number of sponsors withdrawing their support from Wireless Festival.

In response to the mounting criticism, Mr West has issued a statement indicating his willingness to engage directly with those he has offended.

The rapper said he had been "following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly."

"My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music," he stated.

Mr West extended an offer to meet members of the Jewish community in person "to listen," acknowledging that words alone would be insufficient.

"I know words aren't enough - I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here," he added.

The gesture comes as pressure continues to build on both festival organisers and government officials to determine whether the controversial artist will ultimately take to the stage in July.