Actress backs government move after controversy over rapper’s past antisemitic remarks
Hollywood actress Isla Fisher has appeared to support the United Kingdom’s decision to block Kanye West from entering the country. The rapper, who now goes by Ye, had been scheduled to headline a major music event in London later this year.
Fisher, who is Jewish and has strong ties to Israel, shared a screenshot on Instagram of a report by Variety detailing the government’s move to bar the US artist from travelling to the UK. Her post was widely interpreted as backing the decision.
The British government withdrew West’s permission to enter the country ahead of his planned appearance at Wireless Festival in July. Organisers from Festival Republic confirmed that the rapper would no longer perform and announced the cancellation of the three-day event, promising full refunds to ticket holders.
Pressure had been building on the government after West was announced as a headline act on April 1. Several major sponsors reportedly pulled out following the announcement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticised the booking, saying the artist should never have been invited in the first place. He stressed that authorities would act whenever necessary to protect the public and uphold the country’s values.
Officials said West was denied entry because his presence was considered “not conducive to the public good,” citing his history of antisemitic remarks and comments praising Nazism.
Earlier the same day, West attempted to address the backlash by offering to meet members of Britain’s Jewish community. He said his intention in coming to London had been to show change and promote unity through music.
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen,” he said, adding that he understood words alone would not be enough and that he needed to demonstrate change through his actions.
West has performed in the United States and Mexico City this year, but he has faced international restrictions before. Last July he was barred from entering Australia after releasing a controversial track titled “Heil Hitler” and promoting merchandise featuring a swastika.
Earlier this year he also issued a public apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. In the message, he attributed his past behaviour to an undiagnosed brain injury and untreated bipolar disorder, and said he no longer admired Adolf Hitler.
