Australia Cancels Kanye West’s Visa Over Controversial Song

(AFP) – The Australian government announced on Wednesday that it has revoked the visa of US rapper Kanye West due to his release of a song that praises Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

The 48-year-old artist, who now calls himself Ye, unveiled the track titled “Heil Hitler” on May 8, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.

West has been in Australia for some time, partly because he has family there, as noted by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

“He has made many offensive statements, but my officials reconsidered the situation after he released ‘Heil Hitler.’ His visa is no longer valid in Australia,” Burke explained.

The Minister clarified that the cancellation of West’s visa is not related to any planned concert appearances.

“This is not just about a performance; it’s about the type of message that promotes extremist beliefs. We don’t want that in Australia,” he told the public broadcaster ABC.

When asked about the implications of banning such prominent figures, Burke emphasized, “What isn’t sustainable is bringing in hatred.”

However, he also mentioned that immigration officials would reassess each visa request on a case-by-case basis.

“Importing prejudice”

Burke acknowledged that while Australian citizens enjoy freedom of speech, there are enough existing issues in the country without deliberately introducing more prejudice.

Kanye West’s song “Heil Hitler” sparked significant public backlash in Slovakia, where he is expected to perform a concert in July.

Over 3,000 people have signed a petition opposing his performance in the Slovak capital. The petitioners expressed that West has openly embraced symbols and ideologies linked to some of the darkest periods in modern history.

“Kanye West’s concerts in our city and country glorify historical grievances and wartime violence, undermining the memories of the victims of the Nazi regime,” the petition stated.

The music video for “Heil Hitler” features dozens of black men and women adorned in animal fur and masks, chanting the title as they address West’s personal struggles, including his custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.

The clip concludes with a speech taken from the Nazi dictator.

Additionally, West expressed support for fellow rapper Sean Combs, who is currently facing allegations of sex trafficking and assault in New York, with a verdict pending from the judge.