Kanye offers to meet Jewish community in UK after Wireless controversy

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 almost half a decade of antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments.

Amongst his many incendiary statements, West released a song called Heil Hitler, and sold merchandise featuring the swastika.

Since then, he has been seeking to a return to mainstream public view.

Last week, he played two sold out concerts at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, with guest appearances by Travis Scott and Lauryn Hill.

West did not explicitly mention his history of antisemitic comments on stage, but told the audience: "Tonight we're going to put all this behind us, ain't that right LA?"

The backlash over the star's appearance at Wireless in July - where he is due to headline all three nights - has seen multiple sponsors pull out of the event and criticism from politicians.

However, speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday, Melvin Benn admitted that his company, Festival Republic, had failed to consult with Jewish communities in the UK before making the booking.

"Potentially we should have done," he said, "and that may prove to be a mistake that we made."

Benn added that Pepsi, the festival's headline sponsor, had originally "signed off" on West's appearance - although it has since distanced itself from the event following the controversy.

He agreed that West's past behaviour was "abhorrent" and "disgusting", but highlighted the role that the star's mental health may have played, and asked for understanding.

"Mental health is not something that disappears overnight," he said.

"People suffer psychotic behaviour, suffer bipolar behaviour, for many, many years... And I think people are forgetting that."

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".

On Sunday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply concerned" about West's scheduled appearance.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed those sentiments on Tuesday, calling West's apology "mealy-mouthed and self-serving", and accusing Wireless of offering the rapper a "fig leaf of credibility".

"If he wants forgiveness, it's not my forgiveness he needs," Streeting told Radio 4. "It's the forgiveness of the Jewish communities and I don't think he's done anything to earn it."

Mr Benn claimed that the rapper had already been granted a visa to perform in the UK, although he conceded it may be revoked.

The Home Office says it is currently reviewing whether West, 48, should be allowed to enter the UK.