Tanzania, April 7 -- The UK government has denied entry to Kanye West, dealing a major blow to his planned headline performance at this year's Wireless Festival in London. Several sponsors, including Pepsi, have reportedly withdrawn support amid the backlash.

UK authorities said West's application to travel under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was rejected on the grounds that his presence would not be "conducive to the public good," following years of controversy over antisemitic and inflammatory remarks.

The decision effectively rules him out of performing at Wireless, one of the country's largest urban music events. Organised by Live Nation and Festival Republic, the festival has grown from its pop and rock origins t...