New Zealand has denied a visa application from conservative media personality Candace Owens, who had a speaking tour scheduled in cities in New Zealand and Australia for February and March 2025. This decision came after Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke canceled Owens’ visa for inciting discord. Immigration New Zealand confirmed Owens’ visa denial on Nov. 19, citing a rule that bars applicants who have been excluded from another country. Owens plans to appeal Australia’s decision and has accused the country of denying her visa prematurely.
Owens is known for her far-right commentary and presence on various platforms such as podcasts and YouTube channels. She has a history of spreading antisemitic rhetoric and has been accused of downplaying the Holocaust and making inflammatory claims about Muslims. Burke mentioned these issues as reasons for her visa denial. Owens has accused him of lying and trying to paint her as a threatening figure like Adolf Hitler.
In addition to her visa issues, Owens was previously suspended from the YouTube Partner Program in September for violating ad-friendly and community guidelines. Despite these challenges, Owens continues to express her views and engage with her audience on various platforms.
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