By M10News International Desk | 4 July 2025
Australia has revoked US rapper Kanye West’s visa following the release of his controversial song glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, government officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The 48-year-old artist, who now legally goes by the name Ye, released the track titled “Heil Hitler” on May 8, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
Kanye has stirred controversy with his recent statements and actions.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the decision to cancel West’s visa came after careful consideration by immigration officials, particularly given the offensive nature of his recent work.
“He’s made a lot of offensive comments over time, but after releasing the ‘Heil Hitler’ song, he no longer holds a valid visa for Australia,” Burke told ABC News.
This is not the first time Kanye has faced backlash for his comments.
The minister clarified that West’s visa had not been for performance purposes, describing it as a “lower-level” visa connected to personal visits. West has been a regular visitor to Australia, as his wife, Bianca Censori, is Australian.
However, Burke said the Australian government had no obligation to allow individuals promoting hateful ideologies into the country.
“If you’re going to promote that sort of Nazism – we don’t need that in Australia,” he stated. “We already have enough problems without deliberately importing bigotry.”
The minister’s remarks reflect a growing concern about individuals like Kanye promoting harmful ideologies.
When asked whether banning a global celebrity was sustainable, Burke responded: “I don’t think what’s not sustainable is to import hatred.”
He also emphasized that freedom of speech applies to Australian citizens but warned that foreign nationals promoting extremist ideologies would face visa restrictions.
Kanye’s actions have prompted discussions about the responsibilities of public figures.
Australia’s decision follows a growing international backlash against the West’s recent conduct, with human rights groups and Jewish organisations condemning “Heil Hitler” as dangerous hate speech.
Human rights advocates are calling for accountability from artists like Kanye.
Immigration officials confirmed that all future visa applications by West would be assessed carefully, with his current status barring him from entering the country for the foreseeable future.
Source: AFP
