Kanye offers to meet Jewish community in UK after Wireless controversy

2 weeks ago 25
ARTICLE AD BOX

16 minutes ago

Emma SaundersCulture reporter

PA Media Kanye West in a white suit looking at the camera in 2015PA Media

Kanye West had been booked to headline the London festival

In a statement, the rapper now known as Ye 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 continued.

Ye offered to meet members of the community in person "to listen", adding: "I know words aren't enough - I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here."

The controversial rapper has caused outrage for antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments in recent years.

The backlash over West's scheduled appearance in July has seen sponsors pull out of the London event and criticism from politicians. The star released a song called Heil Hitler and sold swastika T-shirts last year.

Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, said: "Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world."

But Jewish groups have criticised Benn's support for the star.

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said that the Wireless boss's statement "will not reassure many within the Jewish or other communities".

The government is reviewing if West, 48, should be allowed to enter the UK.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.


Read Entire Article