Lil Wayne has been denied entry into the United Kingdom in a “last minute decision” by the country’s Home Office, according to Strawberries & Creem Festival, where Wayne had been due to headline on Saturday. “We are deeply disappointed by this sudden and negative ruling,” the festival wrote, saying organizers received “very little notice.” It would have been Wayne’s first UK show in 14 years, NME notes. No reason for the apparent refusal has been made public.
When reached for comment by Pitchfork, a representative for Wayne offered the following statement: “Due to circumstances out of his control, Lil Wayne won’t be able to perform at the Strawberries & Creem Festival this year. Wayne is very disappointed as it’s been over a decade since he last performed in the UK, and he was excited to be reconnecting with his UK fans. He is looking forward to performing in the UK at a later date.”
In a statement to Rolling Stone, a Home Office spokesperson said: “Any individual who has been sentenced to a custodial sentence of 12 months or more must have their application refused.”
Ludacris will replace Wayne as headliner at Strawberries & Creem; Saturday ticket holders are also being offered free entry on Sunday or discounted tickets for 2023.
This article was originally published on Wednesday, June 15 at 9:37 a.m. Eastern. It was last updated on June 15 at 4:49 p.m. Eastern.
