Australian government cancels visa for Candace Owens, halting national tour

In an effort to avoid potential unrest, the Australian government has revoked the visa of American conservative commentator Candace Owens.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke announced the decision, citing Ms Owens’ history of controversial comments about Jewish, Muslim and transgender communities as reasons for the cancellation.

“From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about (German SS officer Josef) Mengele to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the ability to stoke discord in virtually every direction,” said Mr. Burke. “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is elsewhere.”

Ms. Owens, known for her ties to President Trump, has previously claimed that Israel was founded by a “cult” and alleged the existence of “secret Jewish gangs” in Hollywood.

Ms. Owens first rose to prominence through her role as communications director for Turning Point USA from 2017 to 2019 and later became a prominent figure at The Daily Wire. However, she was fired from the company earlier this year after a series of comments deemed anti-Semitic.

Jewish organizations have spoken out against Ms Owens’ tour and urged the government to block her entry. Their calls were echoed by Coalition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan, who argued that expelling Ms Owens would prevent the spread of “hateful messages”.

Despite the backlash, Ms Owens planned to continue with her Australian tour, which would include stops in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. Speaking on Sydney’s 2GB radio, she expressed her surprise at the opposition, saying: “It’s quite incredible to think that people can be so afraid of just speech and conversation.”

The tour was advertised as offering “raw and unfiltered commentary on politics, culture and everyday life,” with ticket prices ranging from $95 to $1,500. However, with Ms Owens’ visa revoked, the future of her Australian performances remains uncertain.