Kanye West, the rapper whose previous antisemitic comments have led to calls to ban him from an upcoming UK festival appearance, has offered to meet the British Jewish community.

The US star, who now calls himself Ye, has written a letter in which he says he must “show change” – an update to an apology he made in the Wall Street Journal in January.

It follows the huge backlash to Wireless Festival announcing him as headliner for the event in London in July. Several sponsors have pulled out and there have been calls for the government to deny West entry to the UK.

“I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly,” the rapper said. “My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through music.

“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough – I’ve have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here. With Love.”

After days of mounting pressure over the booking, Wireless promoter Festival Republic defended the planned performance in a statement issued on Monday evening.

Managing director Melvin Benn described West’s previous comments as “abhorrent” but asked “people to reflect … and offer some forgiveness and hope to him as I have decided to do”.

West’s music is also played on commercial radio stations and available to stream “without comment or vitriol from anyone”, Mr Benn also pointed out, adding: “He has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country.”

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