Australia Denies Visa to Controversial Right-Wing Figure Candace Owens

 

Australia's government has rejected the visa application of Candace Owens, a prominent far-right commentator, ahead of her scheduled speaking tour in November. Immigration Minister Tony Burke expressed concerns that Owens has the "capacity to incite discord," citing her controversial statements and conspiracy theories.

Owens, known for her provocative views and podcasting, has faced criticism for downplaying historical atrocities, including Holocaust medical experiments conducted by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. Burke emphasized that comments such as these pose a risk to social harmony in Australia. “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else,” he stated.

The American influencer had planned a five-city tour across Australia, including events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Ticket prices for the tour ranged from $95 for general admission to $1,500 for a private dinner with Owens. However, her tour faced backlash from local Jewish organizations and political figures, with some describing her as a "dangerous antisemite" and a "conspiracy theorist."

Owens has a history of making inflammatory statements about various groups, including Jewish, transgender, and Muslim communities. Recently, she questioned well-documented Nazi medical experiments, dismissing them as "bizarre propaganda." The Anti-Defamation League has accused her of embracing antisemitic tropes and promoting anti-Israel rhetoric.

In light of these controversies, Burke consulted with the federal antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, and requested a review of Owens’ visit prior to confirming the denial of her visa. The decision has been welcomed by the Zionist Federation of Australia, whose chief executive, Alon Cassuto, stated that “bigotry and antisemitism are unacceptable in any form” and affirmed that there is no place for Owens in Australia.

Owens has not yet publicly commented on the visa rejection, nor have her management or local tour promoters responded to inquiries. Her tour's promotional material claimed that the events would offer “alternative viewpoints” and spark debate on pressing political issues.

This decision comes on the heels of Owens’ past inflammatory remarks, including suggestions that the U.S. military should invade Australia during the pandemic, which she compared to totalitarian regimes led by figures like Hitler and Stalin.