The U.S. may tragically tolerate Candace Owens, but two countries banned her for hate speech ahead of an international speaking tour.
Source: Jason Davis / Getty
The conservative firebrand and YouTube personality found herself grounded in the Pacific. According to the Associated Press, the outspoken commentator was officially denied entry into New Zealand, weeks after being barred from Australia. The rejection comes as Owens plans a speaking tour across both countries to promote free speech and her Christian faith.
Australia Says “Stay Home”
Australia made the first move in October, denying Owens a visa after she made headlines for minimizing the Holocaust in a July YouTube video. Immigration Minister Tony Burke didn’t mince words, calling Owens a source of “discord in almost every direction.”
“Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else,” said Burke to reporters.
Jewish advocacy groups in Australia had petitioned for Owens’ exclusion, citing her history of inflammatory statements, including her denial of Nazi medical experimentation on Jews during World War II.
New Zealand Closes Its Doors
New Zealand followed suit this week, refusing Owens an entertainer’s work permit. While the country didn’t officially weigh in on her political views, AP reports that immigration spokesperson Jock Gilray clarified that the decision was based on a legal clause.
“Visas legally cannot be granted to those who have been excluded from another country,” said Gilray.
There have been online conversations on the matter with some in favor of the decision and others who oppose.
Owens continues to find herself in the media. New Zealand said don’t come over here with that foolishness!
The Speaking Tour That Won’t Happen
Source: Pacific Press / Getty
Despite the visa drama, tickets are still available for Owens’ planned events in Auckland and multiple Australian cities in early 2025. However, there’s no acknowledgment from the tour’s Australia-based promoter, Rocksman, that she has been barred from both countries.
Owens and her team have yet to publicly address the situation.
Owens, who boasts over 3 million YouTube followers, announced the tour in August, promising audiences an unapologetic exploration of free speech, culture, and her Christian faith. Yet her critics argue the commentator has built her platform by courting controversy rather than dialogue.
A Career Built on Controversy
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Owens fueled her rise to prominence with extremist takes on issues like Black Lives Matter, feminism, vaccines, and immigration. However, recent comments about the Holocaust have escalated backlash. Previously reported by BOSSIP, Owens was fired from her hosting role at The Daily Wire in March 2024 after clashes with its founders.
The clash: her remarks about Jews and her opposition to U.S. military support for Israel.
The fallout continued this year as she faced condemnation for promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitism. Critics argue Owens’ inflammatory rhetoric is hypocritical, going against the very free speech she claims to champion.
What’s Next for Owens?
While the visa bans may complicate her speaking tour, Owens has yet to officially respond to the setbacks. In the past, she’s leaned into controversy as a way to energize her base, but the growing rejection from international audiences could signal a turning point.
As it stands, Owens is no stranger to controversy—or the consequences that follow. Whether she pivots her message or continues down the same path, it seems that eyes are on her internationally.
For now, New Zealand and Australia have made their positions crystal clear.
