Source: Sky News
American rapper Lil Wayne will not be performing at the Strawberries and Cream Festival on Saturday, June 18, after the Home Office denied his entry to the UK. The festival’s officials released a statement on June 15 confirming the news.
“Due to extreme circumstances beyond our control or influence, we are very sorry to inform you that Lil Wayne is now unable to perform in the UK. Lil Wayne has been refused entry to the UK directly by Home Office in a last minute decision. We are disappointed by this sudden and negative ruling.”
According to Home Office, Lil Wayne’s visa application was rejected due to prior convictions. They also explained that ‘any individual who has been sentenced to a custodial sentence of 12 months or more must have their application refused.’
Lil Wayne has a Criminal History
The 39-year-old rapper’s past is riddled with crime. He was first arrested in 2007 for gun possession after the police found a gun in his tour bus. In 2010, he was sentenced to one year following his arrest in 2007 and spent eight months on Rikers Island.
In 2019, authorities found a loaded gold-plated handgun in his private plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. The police received an anonymous tip on December 23, 2019, and searched the plane upon arriving in Miami. Besides the gun, the authorities also found cocaine, oxycodone, prescription cough syrup, ecstasy, and 26,000 in cash. The rapper pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a forearm and ammunition and was about to face a 10-year sentence before receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Strawberries and Cream Music Festival
Many of Lil Wayne’s fans have expressed their disappointment online following Home Office’s ruling. However, US hip-hop artist Ludacris will take Lil Wayne’s place at the event. The festival will take place Childerley Orchard in Cambridge from Friday, 17th-Sunday, June 19, 2022. The event will feature artists like Tems, Ghetts, Ella Mai, Tion, Sub Focus, and Wilkinson.
