Kanye West’s travel plans halted as Australia revokes his visa following backlash over a controversial song referencing Adolf Hitler. Image: AP/Evan Agostini.
(The Post News)– U.S. rapper and artist Kanye West has been denied entry to Australia following the release of his controversial song ‘Heil Hitler,’ which has been removed from major streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
On Wednesday, Australia’s minister of home affairs, Tony Burke, confirmed that the government had withdrawn Kanye West’s visa following the independent release of a song in May that referenced Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
During an interview on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing program, Burke accidentally disclosed information about West, who has legally changed his name to Ye, while responding to a question about the visa cancellation of an Israeli American tech advocate who wrote, “Islamophobia is rational.” Burke emphasized that Australia would not permit entry to individuals who suggest that Islamophobia or antisemitism is “rational,” especially when the visa is intended for public speaking engagements.
According to Burke, the majority of the visas that have been revoked under this clause have been for public speaking; Kanye West is the only example he could think of when the visa was revoked even though it wasn’t for public advocacy.
Burke mentioned that Ye, whose wife, Bianca Censori, is originally from Melbourne, had been visiting Australia for many years and has family in the country. However, after Ye released the song ‘Heil Hitler,’ which contained offensive content, officials reviewed his case and determined that his visa was no longer valid in Australia.
Regarding whether the ban is “sustainable” amid potential international concerts, Burke responded, “I think that what’s not sustainable is to import hatred.” A representative from the Department of Home Affairs explained that they do not provide comments on specific cases but emphasized that every non-citizen wishing to travel to Australia is required to comply with the “character” criteria set by the Migration Act.
The representative stated that when people choose to participate in criminal conduct or behavior of concern, the Australian government will continue to take quick action to safeguard the community, including, when necessary, canceling or refusing visas.
West has not publicly commented on the visa cancellation at the time of publication.
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