The organizers of the U.K. festival, which has been running since 2014, shares in a statement that Tunechi 'has been refused entry to the UK directly by the Home Office in a last minute decision.'
- Jun 16, 2022
AceShowbiz - Lil Wayne has been pulled out of the Strawberries and Creem festival this weekend. The organizers for the U.K. festival shared the news on Wednesday, June 15, noting that the rapper was denied entry to the country "directly by the Home Office in a last minute decision."
"Due to extreme circumstances beyond our control or influence, we are very sorry to inform you that Lil Wayne is now unable to perform at the festival on Saturday 18th June. Lil Wayne has been refused entry to the UK directly by the Home Office in a last minute decision," the announcement read.
It continued, "We are deeply disappointed by this sudden and negative ruling. We have received very minimal notice, and the timing of the decision is of course upsetting for all involved - including Lil Wayne's fans, as well as the festival team."
The statement went on to share that Ludacris has been tapped to replace the "Sucker for Pain" hitmaker at the festival, which will take place on Saturday, June 18. Saturday ticket holders are also being offered free entry on Sunday or discounted tickets for 2023. "The team have all worked round the clock to secure a huge new name for Saturday too: We have brought in Grammy-winning rapper LUDACRIS to play a UK EXCLUSIVE set on Saturday," it announced.
Meanwhile, a Home Office spokesperson told Rolling Stone in a statement, "Any individual who has been sentenced to a custodial sentence of 12 months or more must have their application refused."
Born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., Wayne pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which is linked to his weapons charges in 2007, in December 2020. Tunechi could face up to 10-year imprisonment, but former President Donald Trump granted him a full White House pardon on his last full day in office in January 2021.
If it's not canceled, the gig will be Wayne's first U.K. performance in 14 years. Back in 2011, the rapper was forced to cancel his U.K. performances due to his visa application being rejected by the U.K. Border Agency, which also cited his criminal record.
