Controversial right-wing commentator Candace Owens has been refused entry to Australia after her visa application was rejected.
The American was scheduled to bring her speaking tour to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth next month.
However, the Department of Immigration has rejected the Americans’ visa application. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said Owens’ views are best shared “somewhere else.”
The public figure has a combined social media following of over 13 million.
Who is Candace Owens?
Candace Owens is a far-right influencer and long-time Donald Trump supporter. She has 5.8 million followers on X, 5.4 million on Instagram, and 2.82 million YouTube subscribers.
Owens became a contributor for The Daily Wire in 2021 but left the right-wing media outlet in April after she was accused of antisemitism.
Owens has also been accused of being Islamaphobic and anti-Trans. A website promoting her live speaking tour described Owens as “unwavering” and “unfiltered”.
The Owens tour
In August, Owens announced plans for her first tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Fans were promised an “opportunity to experience firsthand” Owen’s “intellect and fearlessness.
Tickets ranged from $AU95 for general admission, to $AU1,500 for a “pre-show dinner” and “meet and greet” with Owens.
“In a world full of safe spaces, Candace cuts through the fluff, delivering raw and unfiltered commentary on politics, culture, and everyday life.”
Visa Rejection
Immigration Minister Tony Burke has now rejected Owens’ visa application, blocking her tour from going ahead.
“From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust… to claims that Muslims started slavery,” Burke said Owens has the power to “incite discord in almost every direction.”
“Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else,” he added.
It comes after ASIO chief Mike Burgess flagged an increase in extreme ideologies since the pandemic.
In August, the national security agency raised concerns about young Australians being “particularly vulnerable” to online extremism and misinformation.
Owens has not commented on the visa decision and ticketholders are yet to receive an update.
TDA contacted Owens’ tour promoter, Rocksman, but did not receive a response at the time of posting.
Tickets to see Candace Owens live in Australia were still available to purchase, as of Monday afternoon.