Kanye West has returned to social media for the first time since being barred from entering the UK by the Home Office.
The rapper, who was set to headline Wireless festival in July, was denied entry on the grounds that his presence would “not be conducive to the public good”.
Following the decision, Mr West has returned to Instagram with a rather cryptic message.
He shared a video of schoolchildren singing one of his hits, which included some pertinent lyrics.
Wireless Festival was cancelled due to the announcement
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Among the lyrics are: “We left all the pain behind…wounds get healed with time…”
The Home Office’s decision came in the wake of Mr West offering to meet with the British Jewish community ahead of proposed performances at Wireless Festival.
He said in a statement prior to his Home Office ban and Wireless’ axe: “I’ve 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.
The rapper was blocked from entering the UK on Tuesday
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“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.
“I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
Following the Home Office’s decision, the Campaign Against Antisemitism issued a statement.
A spokesperson said: “The Government has clearly made the right decision here.
Kanye West Instagram story
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“For once, when it said that antisemitism has no place in the UK, it backed up its words with action.
“Someone who has boasted of making tens of millions of dollars from selling swastika t-shirts and who released a song called ‘Heil Hitler’ just months ago, clearly would not be conducive to the public good in the UK.
“Wireless Festival, in its desperate quest for profit, defended the invitation until the end. That is shameful, and its sponsors should continue to stay away.”
Mr West has faced significant backlash in recent years, including for releasing a track titled Heil Hitler and promoting clothing featuring a swastika on his website.
He has also been suspended from X multiple times over repeated antisemitic posts shared on the platform.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously commented on the controversy, describing plans for him to headline Wireless Festival as “deeply concerning”.
Shortly after the Home Office announcement, Wireless Festival organisers announced they have cancelled this year’s event and that refunds will be issued to all ticket-holders.
Referring to Mr West by his preferred stage name, Ye, organiser Festival Republic said in a statement: “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom.
“As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket-holders.
“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time.
“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had.
“As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”
Presale tickets for Wireless Festival were released at 12pm on Tuesday and are believed to have sold out