Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has been denied entry into Australia due to his recent release of a controversial song titled "Heil Hitler." This song, which has drawn heavy criticism for its pro-Nazi themes, has been labeled as an antisemitic tribute to Adolf Hitler. It features a direct sample from a speech given by Hitler in 1935 and repeats slogans associated with the infamous dictator.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, announced that Ye’s visa has been revoked following the song’s release in May. Burke emphasized that promoting Nazism is unacceptable in Australia, stating, "We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry." He added that while Ye had traveled to Australia frequently and has family there, his recent actions required a reassessment of his visa status.
The song has faced backlash not only in Australia but also internationally, leading to its ban in Germany and removal from major streaming platforms like Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify. Burke mentioned that Ye’s history of making offensive comments contributed to the decision to cancel his visa. He clarified that this does not mean Ye is permanently banned from Australia, as visa applications are reviewed each time.
Ye’s representatives have not publicly commented on the visa cancellation. This incident is not the first time Australia has considered restricting Ye’s entry; earlier this year, the country’s education minister condemned his antisemitic remarks and indicated that individuals with similar statements had previously been denied visas.
Ye’s history of antisemitic comments includes a series of controversial statements made earlier this year, where he expressed admiration for Hitler and identified as a Nazi. His actions have led to significant backlash, including being dropped by his talent agency and having merchandise featuring a swastika removed from online platforms.
The Australian government has made it clear that it will take action to protect the community from individuals who engage in harmful behavior. With Ye’s visa now revoked, it remains to be seen how this will affect his future plans, especially considering his ties to Australia through his wife, Bianca Censori, and her family in Melbourne.