Kanye West must be banned from UK over anti-semitic comments, says Lib Dem leader Ed Davey
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called on the government to ban Kanye West from performing in the UK due to his long history of anti-semitism.
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Speaking to LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, Davey said the Home Secretary should follow Australia’s lead and ban the controversial rapper from the country.
West, who also goes by Ye, has made a slew of anti-semitic comments in the past, including writing a song called “Heil Hitler.”
He is due to headline Wireless Festival in London this summer despite a wave of criticism from Jewish groups and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
Read more: Kanye West blames brain injury for antisemitic behaviour in full-page apology
In a press statement, a spokesperson for the London mayor said: “We are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London’s values.
“This was a decision taken by the festival organisers and not one that City Hall is involved in.”
The Jewish leadership council also condemned the move, calling it “deeply irresponsible”.
They told The Guardian: “It is deeply irresponsible for Wireless festival to be headlining Kanye West.
“The UK Jewish community is facing record levels of antisemitism, including a terrorist attack in Manchester, the attack on ambulances in Golders Green and foiled plots which would have killed many more.
“West has repeatedly used his platform to spread antisemitism and pro-Nazi messaging. His most recent apology must be considered in the context that he went on to sell swastika T-shirts and release a song called Heil Hitler after apologising previously.
“Any venue or festival should reconsider before providing their platform to Kanye West to spread his antisemitism.”
Earlier this year, West took out a two-page spread in the Wall Street Journal apologising for his anti-semitism.
The 48-year-old pinned the comments on his bipolar disorder.
He had previously made a similar apology in 2023.
In a press release, Wireless said West’s “UK comeback will be an extraordinary chapter in Wireless’s story”.