Rapper Wiley has been stripped of his MBE for “bringing the honours system into disrepute” years after an antisemitic rant online.
The MC, known as the Godfather of Grime for his contribution to the London scene, was awarded with the honour in the 2017 New Years Honours list.
The Cabinet Office said on Friday that Wiley, whose real name is Richard Cowie, has forfeited the Member of the British Empire (MBE) award.
It did not say why, but it is thought it relates to Tweets he posted in 2020.
He wrote: “Listen to me Jewish community Israel is not your country I’m sorry… The Star of David that’s our ting … Some people have gotten too comfortable on lands that don’t belong to them.”
“Red Necks are the KKK and Jewish people are the Law… Work that out,” he continued.
He added: “If you work for a company owned by 2 Jewish men and you challenge the Jewish community in anyway of course you will get fired.”The 45-year-old rapper from Bow, east London, apologised for the tweets but saw his accounts suspended on Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.
In 2021, he caused further controversy when he claimed his Jewish associates in the music and entertainment industry “still see us as slaves” in an interview with The Voice newspaper.
The musician later denied he is racist and apologised for “generalising”.
Stephen Silverman, director of investigations for the Campaign Against Antisemitism, welcomed Wiley's forfeiture of his MBE.
The rapper has released 15 studio albums as a solo artist and has also recorded with his collective Roll Deep.
In a 2012 ambition to cross into the mainstream, his single Heatwave reached the top of the British chart but he is perhaps best known for his 2008 song Wearing My Rolex.
He said in 2017 upon receiving his MBE: "I'm honoured to be receiving an MBE. It feels like the school grade I wanted and didn't get but now I'm finally there."
Within the British scene, he has had well-publicised fallings out with Dizzee Rascal and Skepta, who refused an MBE.
The Cabinet Office on Friday also revealed former Post Office boss Paula Vennells had been stripped of her CBE following the Horizon scandal.
A representative for Wiley has been contacted for comment.
