Kanye West, aka Ye, denied entry to Australia after releasing antisemitic track 'Heil Hitler'; authorities cancel visa
Rapper Kanye West , who is also known as Ye, has been officially denied entry into Australia following the release of his latest track, “Heil Hitler”, a report in The Guardian mentions. The song contains antisemitic lyrics and Nazi references, confirmed Immigration Minister Tony Burke.
The song, which was released on May 8—notably coinciding with Victory in Europe Day, a date commemorating the end of World War II in Europe—sparked instant backlash globally. The track includes audio samples from a 1935 Nazi speech and lines that allegedly praise Adolf Hitler, prompting swift action from Australian authorities.
Reason for Cancelled Visa
According to Burke, Ye’s visitor visa was revoked following an internal review by the Department of Home Affairs. The decision was made under character grounds defined by Australia’s Migration Act, which allows for denial of entry to individuals whose public behavior or statements are considered offensive, harmful, or a threat to social cohesion.
“Australia does not welcome hate speech, no matter how famous the person is,” Burke stated, adding that Australia has previously blocked entry for individuals with Islamophobic or antisemitic records. “This country doesn’t import hatred.”
Though Ye had entered Australia in the past on lower-level visas, this latest cancellation sends a clear message that celebrity status offers no protection when it comes to promoting hate-fueled rhetoric.
Political and Public Reactions
The move has received widespread support from both sides of the political aisle. Education Minister Jason Clare called Ye’s lyrics and past interviews—where he has openly praised Hitler—“deeply disturbing” and incompatible with Australian values.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the decision, describing Ye’s rhetoric as “immeasurably harmful,” especially given his global influence.
Ye Remains Silent
So far, Ye has not issued a statement regarding the visa cancellation. Australian immigration officials have confirmed that any future visa applications by the rapper will be assessed under the same strict criteria, with character checks taking center stage.
The song, which was released on May 8—notably coinciding with Victory in Europe Day, a date commemorating the end of World War II in Europe—sparked instant backlash globally. The track includes audio samples from a 1935 Nazi speech and lines that allegedly praise Adolf Hitler, prompting swift action from Australian authorities.
Reason for Cancelled Visa
According to Burke, Ye’s visitor visa was revoked following an internal review by the Department of Home Affairs. The decision was made under character grounds defined by Australia’s Migration Act, which allows for denial of entry to individuals whose public behavior or statements are considered offensive, harmful, or a threat to social cohesion.
“Australia does not welcome hate speech, no matter how famous the person is,” Burke stated, adding that Australia has previously blocked entry for individuals with Islamophobic or antisemitic records. “This country doesn’t import hatred.”
Though Ye had entered Australia in the past on lower-level visas, this latest cancellation sends a clear message that celebrity status offers no protection when it comes to promoting hate-fueled rhetoric.
Political and Public Reactions
The move has received widespread support from both sides of the political aisle. Education Minister Jason Clare called Ye’s lyrics and past interviews—where he has openly praised Hitler—“deeply disturbing” and incompatible with Australian values.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the decision, describing Ye’s rhetoric as “immeasurably harmful,” especially given his global influence.
Ye Remains Silent
So far, Ye has not issued a statement regarding the visa cancellation. Australian immigration officials have confirmed that any future visa applications by the rapper will be assessed under the same strict criteria, with character checks taking center stage.
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