Australia has rejected far-right provocateur Candice Owens’ visa application ahead of a planned national speaking tour, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke saying she has the “capacity to incite discord”.
The American conservative influencer and podcast host has promoted conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic rhetoric, including minimizing Nazi medical experiments in concentration camps, and has been accused of She was barred from entering Australia after raising concerns about her background.
“From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about[infamous Nazi doctor Josef]Mengele to claiming that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has demonstrated the ability to foment discord in almost every direction. I have,” Burke said Sunday.
“Australia’s national interests are best served when Candice Owens is elsewhere.”
Mr Owens is planning a five-day speaking tour of Australia in November, holding events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Ticket prices ranged from $95 for general admission, to $295 for a VIP meet-and-greet, to $1,500 for a private dinner with conservative media personalities.
She has been controversial for her inflammatory claims about Jews, transgender people and Muslims. In July, she appeared to cast doubt on well-documented Nazi medical experiments on prisoners, calling such explanations “totally ridiculous” and “bizarre propaganda”.
The American Anti-Defamation League, which fights anti-Semitism, cited Owens’ comments in which he called Judaism a “pedophile-centered religion,” and said Owens used “anti-Semitic tropes and anti-Israel rhetoric.” He accused them of coming to “accept and promote.” LGBTQ+ advocacy group Glaad cited Owens’ alleged anti-trans comments, including calling the transgender equality movement “evil” and “satanic.” She also argued that “white supremacy and white nationalism are not issues that harm black America.”
Owens’ visit to Australia has been opposed by some local Jewish groups, with opposition home affairs spokesman James Patterson calling her a “dangerous anti-Semite and conspiracy theorist” in an interview on Sky News.
Ms Burke told Nine in August that she had asked the department to outline her visit and had consulted the federal special envoy on antisemitism, Gillian Segal.
Nine first reported on Sunday that Owens would not be allowed to enter Australia. Ms Burke’s office confirmed that her visa had been refused.
Guardian Australia has contacted Owens’ management and local tour promoter Rocksman for comment. Neither party immediately responded to requests, and Owens did not mention the visa news on her social media accounts.
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“Candice Owens Live! Australia and New Zealand touring events appeal to audiences seeking alternative perspectives and deep debates on pressing political and social topics. Owens’ provocative approach often disrupts debate. “This event is a must-see for anyone who enjoys candid conversations about stirring and controversial issues,” the tour’s website states.
Australian Zionist Federation chief executive Aron Kasuto welcomed the news that Owens had been refused entry to Australia.
“Bigotry and anti-Semitism are unacceptable in any form, whether on the far left or the far right,” he said on Sunday.
“When we look at the social cohesion of our country, there is no place for Candice Owens in Australia.”
Mr Owens suggested the US military would invade Australia to liberate its people “suffering under a totalitarian regime” during the pandemic, comparing it to Hitler, Stalin and the Taliban.
