Kanye West barred from Australia after antisemitic lyrics spark Visa cancellation
Image: Twitter
Once he released the Heil Hitler song, he no longer has a valid visa in Australia.
"It wasn't a visa for the purpose of concerts. It was a lower-level and the officials still looked at the law and said, you're going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism, we don't need that in Australia."
Earlier this year, the Stronger rapper came under fire over his controversial behaviour, including praising Adolf Hitler and selling t-shirts emblazoned with a Swastika, a notorious Nazi hate symbol.
However, in May he asked for forgiveness and called for peace.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
He wrote in a series of posts on X: "I am done with antisemitism.I love all people.
"God forgive me for the pain I've caused."I forgive those who have caused me pain. Thank you God. The earth itself is in God's Kingdom. GOD CALLS FOR PEACE. Share peace.Share love."
Kanye claimed his outlook changed after he enjoyed a video call with his and ex-wife Kim Kardashian's four children, North, 11, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and six-year-old Psalm.
He wrote: "I simply got a FaceTime from my kids and I wanna save the world again."
This isn't the first time Kanye has seemingly had a change of heart as in February, he declared he was "not a Nazi" following "further reflection.
Taking to X, he wrote: "After further reflection I've come to the realization that I'm not a Nazi."
Kanye had previously declared his anti-Semitic comments to be "90 percent Jew proof", as he went on to explain he meant no one had been able to "stop" him.
He wrote: "I will write this more poetically in a bit cause right now I'm finishing my verse for Game's album. The idea of being Jew proof is. I said all these politically incorrect things and nobody was able to stop me extort me threaten me to change anything. And I made 40 million the next day between my different business. There's a lot of Jewish people I know and love and still work with. The point I made and showed is that I am not under Jewish control anymore (sic)"
Bang Showbiz
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Lunga Q unveils a new love song ‘Ngiboniswe'
The track is already making waves and is set to become a major part of wedding celebrations across the nation. The song was officially released on Wednesday, July 2. Born in 1996, in Bethal and raised in eMalahleni, Lunga Qwabe, professionally known as Lunga Q, has powerfully built an impressive presence in the South African music industry. The multi-talented artist first captured audiences' attention with his compelling 2023 single, 'Izinkomo,' which showcased his unique lyrical depth. He followed up this success of his with 'Ngifuna Lona' in 2024, collaborating with another talented singer, further solidifying his position as a rising force in the industry. According to Lunga Q, the song is more than just a song, but a heartfelt narrative. He further emphasised that the song is about a man who received a divine revelation from God about who his future wife is. To his surprise, it turns out to be someone he never imagined himself marrying. 'The story behind the song began when he was living with his ex-girlfriend. Their relationship was filled with constant arguments, which led them to question whether they were truly meant to be together. They eventually agreed to seek God's guidance on the matter,' Lunga Q explains. 'One Sunday at church, the man received a clear revelation from God showing him who his true life partner is. As a result, he ended the relationship with his then-partner. Deeply moved by the experience, he wrote 'Ngiboniswe' to express his gratitude and commitment, declaring that he no longer desires anyone else, only the one God has revealed to him. Beyond his music career, Lunga Q is also an entrepreneur. He is the mastermind behind several successful ventures. These include the print and fabric empire, House of Gumede, ForMusicLovers clothing brand, House of Gumede Productions, and Gumede Intimates, showcasing his versatility across different industries. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire and influence the world around him, proving that Lunga Q is much more than just a musician—he's a true creative force and a business leader. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Australia cancels Ye's visa over controversial song
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. Image: Instagram via @yesblackballsy Australia has revoked the visa of American rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, following the release of his controversial song Heil Hitler, which promotes Nazism. ADVERTISEMENT The decision was announced by Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday. YE'S CONTROVERSIAL SONG Ye released the song in May, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. The track glorifies Adolf Hitler and has been widely condemned for its antisemitic content. Burke explained that although Ye had made offensive comments previously, it was the release of the Heil Hitler song that prompted officials to reassess his visa status. The rapper held a lower-level visa, but officials concluded that allowing someone promoting such ideology was unacceptable. ADVERTISEMENT 'We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry,' Burke told Australia's ABC broadcaster. AUSTRALIA AGAINST HATE SPEECH He emphasised that Australia does not need to import hatred, even from popular figures, according to Reuters. Ye has family ties in Australia through his wife, Bianca Censori, an Australian architect, and has been a frequent visitor to the country. Despite this, the government decided to cancel his visa to uphold national values and security. Burke noted that Australian citizens enjoy freedom of speech, but the government must carefully assess visa applications to prevent the importation of extremist views. BANNING CONTROVERSIAL FIGURES The cancellation aligns with Australia's recent stance on barring entry to other controversial figures. This includes US conservative pundit Candace Owens and Israeli-American influencer Hillel Fuld. This move reflects the country's firm approach to protecting its social fabric from divisive rhetoric. This move highlights the global responsibility of nations to reject hate speech and extremist propaganda. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against the spread of bigotry, especially in multicultural societies like South Africa. The country also grapples with issues of racial and religious tolerance. YE AND NAZISM Tony Burke said, 'You're going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism, we don't need that in Australia.' He added, 'Importing bigotry is not sustainable for any country.' This firm stance underscores the principle that popularity does not exempt individuals from accountability when their actions threaten social harmony. THE SONG The song Heil Hitler has been banned on several platforms and in countries like Germany. It features a disturbing tribute to Hitler, including samples of his speeches. It has sparked protests and petitions against Ye's performances internationally. This visa cancellation sends a clear message that nations must act decisively against hate speech, irrespective of the individual's fame or influence. It also reflects the broader challenges democracies face in balancing freedom of expression with protection against hate and extremism. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON AUSTRALIA'S DECISION TO CANCEL YE'S VISA? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Australia cancels Kanye West visa over 'Heil Hitler' song
CANBERRA - Australia has cancelled US rapper Kanye West's visa over his song glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, the government said Wednesday. The 48-year-old musician, who has legally changed his name to Ye, released "Heil Hitler" on May 8, the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. West whose wife Bianca Censori is Australian has been coming to Australia for some time because he has family in the country, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said. "He's made a lot of offensive comments. But my officials looked at it again once he released the 'Heil Hitler' song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia." Burke said the rapper's cancelled visa was not intended for holding concerts. "It was a lower level, and the officials still looked at the law and said: You're going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism we don't need that in Australia," he told public broadcaster ABC. Asked if it was sustainable to bar such a popular figure, the minister said: "I think what's not sustainable is to import hatred." But he said immigration officials reassess each visa application. - 'Importing bigotry' - Australian citizens have freedom of speech, Burke added. "But we have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry." Kanye West's "Heil Hitler" song stirred public opposition last week in Slovakia when it was announced he would be playing a concert there in July. More than 3,000 people signed a petition against West's performance in the Slovak capital. The rapper -- a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump -- is "repeatedly and openly adhering to symbols and ideology connected with the darkest period of modern global history", two groups behind the petition said. "Kanye West's concert in our city and our country is an insult to historic memory, a glorification of wartime violence and debasement of all victims of the Nazi regime," the petition read. In the "Heil Hitler" clip, dozens of Black men wearing animal pelts and masks, and standing in a block formation chant the title of the song, as West raps about being misunderstood and about his custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The song ends with an extract of a speech by the Nazi dictator. West has also publicly endorsed fellow rapper and music mogul Sean Combs, who has been tried in New York for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. The jury in that case is considering its verdict.
