Ja Rule has had to cancel his tour of the UK - which included a night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds - after being denied entry to the country.
The rapper was supposed to be kicking off the UK leg of his The Sunrise Tour in Cardiff on Friday, before coming to Leeds on 6 March.
But he has now shared that 'the UK won't let him in' due to his criminal record.
He said that he was 'so devastated' that he has had to cancel the tour, which he said was almost sold out.
Ja Rule also wrote that he had notified promoters of his criminal record and they'd assured his team it wouldn't be an issue.
The Mesmerize singer wrote on X today: "I’m so devastated I can't believe the UK won’t let me in I’ve spent a half million dollars in production of my own money to put this tour together only to be denied entry DAYS before my shows. This is not fair to me or my fans these venues are 85% sold and now I can’t come…
"The UK is one of the few European countries that restricts entry to people with criminal records.
"In general, you will likely be denied entry if you have been convicted of a crime punishable by 23 months or more under British law or served more than 12 months in prison."
Ja Rule has cancelled his UK tour after being denied entry to the UK. Credit: YouTube
He later continued: "Gonna do something special for my UK fans since I’ll NEVER be able to come across the pond stay tuned…"
Updating fans again, Ja Rule said: "My team made it CLEAR to the promoter that I have a criminal record and can’t get in the country…The PROMOTER swore this wouldn’t be an issue The PROMOTER started selling tickets y’all love to blame the artist lol… GET YOUR REFUNDS!!!"
The First Direct Arena in Leeds has shared a statement from Ja Rule's promoter confirming the show has been cancelled.
It said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that @JaRule's "The Sunrise Tour" in the UK and Ireland next month has been cancelled.
"Refunds will be issued from the point of purchase. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause"
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Art & Culture
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Daisy Jackson -
28th February 2024 
