Wireless Festival boss defends Kanye West appearance

The managing director of Wireless Festival has defended the decision to choose Kanye West as a headliner, encouraging people to offer the rapper "forgiveness". It follows backlash over West's scheduled appearance in July, which has seen sponsors such as Pepsi pull out of the event and criticism from politicians. The star released a song called Heil Hitler and sold swastika T-shirts last year.

He later apologised and blamed his bipolar disorder. Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, said: "Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world." The government is reviewing whether West should be allowed to enter the UK. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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