The Home Office and Priti Patel have faced intense backlash from Lil Wayne fans after his festival performance had to be cancelled.
The rapper, real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was set to perform at Strawberries and Creem festival on Saturday, 18 June.
However, he has been denied entry to the UK and is resultantly unable to play to fans, who have been left outraged due to Lil Wayne not having performed in the UK for several years.
Festival organisers addressed the news in an update on its website.
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It noted the incident had happened due to 'extreme circumstances beyond [its] control or influence'.
It continued: "We are very sorry to inform you that Lil Wayne is now unable to perform at the festival.
"Lil Wayne has been refused entry to the UK directly by the Home Office in a last-minute decision.
"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 rapper's prior convictions were the reason he was rejected by UK border authorities, the Home Office told the BBC.
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It stated: "Any individual who has been sentenced to a custodial sentence of 12 months or more must have their application refused."
Lil Wayne's prior convictions relate to gun charges.
In 2007 a gun was discovered on his tour bus which led to him being arrested.
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In 2010, he pleaded guilty to gun possession and was sentenced to a year in prison.
In December 2019, during a search of his private plane in Miami, police also found him carrying bullets and a gun.
However, former US president Donald Trump granted him a full White House pardon which saw the rapper avoid a potential 10 years in prison.
Lil Wayne fans have been left gutted by the announcement, with some having even taken to Twitter in a bid to try and sell their ticket now he's not performing.
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One wrote: "Selling my strawberries and creem festival tickets as Lil Wayne got removed :( saturday and sunday £40 dm me."
"No lil Wayne at strawberries and creem, thank GOD I didn’t get tickets," another said.
However, a third noted: "Ah well can't be having one law for one and another law for someone else now can we."
Strawberries and Creem festival went on to reassure festival goers there is still an 'incredible array of artists' performing at the event.
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It assured: "The team have all worked round the clock to secure a huge new name for Saturday too."
The festival revealed that Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris will take over Lil Wayne's slot in a 'UK exclusive set'.
The festival has also offered ticket holders 'a free ticket for Sunday, 19 June, or a discount on tickets for next year's festival'.
Strawberries and Creem concluded: "In absence of any statement from Lil Wayne, we would like to apologise to everyone who was coming to see him perform at S&C. We look forward to welcoming the iconic Ludcacris to the stage instead.
"We can’t wait to see all of you this weekend. Love and thank you for your support as always."
LADbible has contacted Lil Wayne for comment.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
