Australia Blocks Conservative Writer Candace Owens’ Entry For ‘Hateful Messages’ About Jews, Muslims & Transgender People

The Australian government has canceled conservative pundit Candace Owens‘ visa, labeling her a potential inciter of social division with her views on Jewish, Muslim and transgender communities. 

Immigration Minister Tony Burke explained the decision, pointing out that her inflammatory comments—such as those about Israel being founded by a “cult” and alleging “secret Jewish gangs” run Hollywood—have prompted the Australian government to act to “lower the temperature” on domestic tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict.

“From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [German SS officer Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,” Burke stated. 

“Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else.”

Owens initially rose to fame for her conservative activism, serving as communications director for Turning Point USA from 2017 to 2019 before moving to The Daily Wire in 2021. She was dismissed in March following antisemitic comments but now reaches an audience of 18 million through her YouTube channel. Since then, she continued to make provocative statements, including calling Nazi doctor Josef Mengele’s experiments “bizarre propaganda.”

Jewish groups called for her visa to be revoked in August. Burke supported the move, saying, “Tickets to these events are selling for $100. I hope she has a good refunds policy.” 

Coalition immigration spokesperson Dan Tehan urged the Labor government to deny Owens’ visa to avoid “hateful messages.”

In response to the visa backlash, Owens expressed her intent find ways to move forward with her tour in Australia. She said on Sydney’s 2GB radio, “It’s kind of incredible to think people could be so fearful of just speech and conversation.” 

“I was quite surprised to see that… They were like, ‘Don’t give her a visa, she’s a bad person.’ But I promise you it is not going to harm you to hear different ideas.”

Owens’ tour, scheduled for November, was to include stops in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. Ticket prices ranged from $95 to $1,500. 

The tour, hosted by entertainment company Rocksman, was promoted as offering “raw and unfiltered commentary on politics, culture, and everyday life.”