WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Candace Owens, a prominent U.S. conservative commentator, has been denied a visa to enter New Zealand for an upcoming speaking engagement. Immigration officials announced this decision, noting that her application was rejected because she had previously been banned from Australia.
This development comes shortly after Australia also turned down her visa request. Australian authorities cited Owens’ controversial statements regarding World War II and the Holocaust, specifically her claims concerning Nazi medical experiments on Jews in concentration camps.
Owens is set to speak in various cities across Australia and in Auckland, New Zealand, in February and March. Despite her visa issues, tickets for her events are still on sale, and the promoters have not acknowledged the entry denials on their website.
Owens has gained a large following, with over 3 million subscribers on YouTube. However, she has faced significant criticism from some groups, accused of spreading controversial ideas and opposing movements like Black Lives Matter and feminism, as well as making contentious remarks about vaccines and immigration.
Earlier this year, Owens announced her departure from the Daily Wire, where she hosted an online talk show. This decision followed disagreements with the network’s founders over her comments related to Jews and the U.S. support for Israel. She received backlash for a July video where she downplayed the Holocaust.
During her planned speaking tour, Owens expressed her intention to discuss topics related to free speech and her Christian faith.
Australian officials cited concerns over Owens’ ability to provoke division within the community as a reason for her visa denial. Immigration Minister Tony Burke stated that her presence was not in the national interest and that it was better for her to speak elsewhere, a sentiment echoed by some Jewish organizations in Australia.
Though New Zealand immigration officials did not comment on Owens’ political beliefs, they confirmed that her entertainer’s work permit was refused on the basis that visas cannot be granted to those excluded from another country.
As of now, Owens and her promoters have not publicly responded to the visa refusals.
