Celebrities That Are BANNED From Entire Countries
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VOICE OVER: Kirsten Ria Squibb
WRITTEN BY: Don Ekama
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking at Celebrities That Are Banned From Entire Countries. For this list, we'll be looking at famous people who have been denied entry into certain countries. This could be in the form of a visa rejection, deportation, or an outright ban. We'll be considering permanent bans, as well as temporary ones that were eventually overturned. Our list includes Claire Danes, Akon, Brad Pitt and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at Celebrities That Are Banned From Entire Countries. For this list, we’ll be looking at famous people who have been denied entry into certain countries. This could be in the form of a visa rejection, deportation, or an outright ban. We’ll be considering permanent bans, as well as temporary ones that were eventually overturned. Do you think any of these bans were justified? Let us know in the comments.
Claire Danes
In 1998, Claire Danes was a fresh-faced 19-year-old actress, still riding the wave of her leading role in the 1996 film adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet.” That year, she was cast in the movie “Brokedown Palace” and had to spend several weeks filming in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Danes later had very unflattering things to say about the city, painting a picture of a smelly and rat-infested place. And those are pretty kind words, compared to how she described its people. Naturally, the Manila city council was incensed and declared the actress persona non grata. She was prohibited from entering the entire country and all her movies were banned from showing.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart packs quite a lot in her resume. A businesswoman, lifestyle guru, baker, and an accomplished writer and TV personality. But unfortunately, her record also contains a felony conviction on charges related to stock trading fraud. In 2004, the successful entrepreneur was sentenced to five months in prison, but the consequences of her actions lingered much longer. When she tried visiting Britain in 2008, it was reported that she was denied permission to enter because of her criminal record. Stewart was scheduled to make a speech at the Royal Academy and also planned to film episodes of her TV show, but those plans were given a Great British chop.
Tyler, the Creator
In 2014, New Zealand slammed its doors right in the face of sensational rapper Tyler, the Creator and his hip-hop collective Odd Future. The group was billed as an opening act for a music festival headlined by Eminem but had their visas revoked just one hour before their flight. Why, you ask? Well, it had something to do with a 2011 autograph signing session in Boston that became heated. According to officials, Tyler and other members of Odd Future had incited violence at the session and so, they were deemed a threat to public order. Fortunately, the ban was lifted in 2019, so not to worry Down Under fans, he’s all yours.
Gigi Hadid
In 2017, top American fashion model Gigi Hadid pulled out of the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to the surprise of many. That is, except for social media users in China. A couple of months prior, Hadid had uploaded a video to her Instagram in which she was laughing while squinting her eyes, in imitation of a Buddha-shaped cookie. The clip quickly went viral and the model was hit with a lot of backlash for what many deemed to be racially insensitive. She may have apologized and taken down the video, but what was done was done. Hadid was barred from entering the country and ended up missing the fashion show.
Selena Gomez
LGBTQ+ rights have always been a very touchy subject in Russia. In 2013, the Eastern European nation enacted a federal law that was touted as a protection of “traditional family values.” But for many people, this was deemed a crackdown on gay rights in the country. That same year, American singer and actress Selena Gomez embarked on her “Stars Dance Tour,” in support of her solo debut album. However, the two shows she had scheduled in St. Petersburg and Moscow were canceled after being denied a visa by Russian immigration. Gomez was reportedly prevented from entering the country due to her outspoken support and activism for the LGBTQ+ community.
Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese films are usually shrouded in controversy for their glorified use of violence and drugs. But in 1997, Scorsese found himself in murky political waters with the release of the biopic “Kundun.” The film, which was a spectacular failure at the box office, detailed the life of Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama and apparently portrayed China in a negative light. It was met with heavy backlash from Chinese authorities who effectively banned Scorsese, together with the film’s screenwriter and producers, from ever stepping foot in the country. It even caused a strong rift between China and Disney, who refused to stop distributing the film at the behest of the country’s leaders.
Elton John
Being gay himself, Elton John has been a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights all around the world and undoubtedly an influence in many artists’ lives. His outspoken activism has attracted just as much disapproval as it has adulation. The British singer and pianist was booked to play a private concert in Egypt, which was sponsored by Abu Dhabi telecommunications giant Etisalat. The Egyptian Musicians’ Union stopped the show from moving forward, however, citing John’s sexuality and his anti-religious statements as their reasons for doing so. Such a clampdown on the freedom of expression just goes to show the continual need for the type of advocacy people like Elton John champion.
Mike Tyson
In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of assault and sentenced to six years in prison. Although he only served three years before he was released on parole, Tyson’s conviction would come to haunt him two decades later. The famed boxer was supposed to go on a speaking tour in New Zealand and Australia. But his plans were thrown up in the air when the New Zealand government barred him from entering the country because of his conviction. Immigration officials initially approved Tyson’s visa as proceeds from his tour would’ve benefited a children’s charity. But after the charity cut ties with him, they quickly reversed their decision. Too bad the indigenous Maori people never got to see the distinctive face tattoo they supposedly inspired.
Katy Perry
Gigi Hadid was not the only celebrity who was noticeably absent from the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Katy Perry, who had been scheduled to perform at the event, was also a no-show. Perry’s visa to China was revoked after it was discovered that she had worn a sunflower dress for an earlier performance in Taiwan. This was significant because the sunflower had been adopted as a symbol of hope for the anti-China protests in the island country. At some point during her Taiwanese concert, Perry also waved the country’s flag. And while it may not have been her intention, this was seen as a political gesture, cementing the singer’s indefinite ban from China.
Lily Allen
The celebrity life has never been so appealing to Lily Allen. The English singer-songwriter has been open about her discomfort with the flashing lights of the paparazzi. This discomfort was made manifest when she allegedly assaulted a photographer outside a London nightclub. Her subsequent arrest remained on her record and came up when Allen tried entering the U.S. from Australia a few months later. She was stopped and questioned by American authorities, who stripped her of her U.S. work visa, essentially preventing her from performing in the country. Fortunately, the ban was lifted the following year and all was well in Sheezus-land.
Justin Bieber
Being launched into superstardom at a tender age can be quite overwhelming. This was true for Justin Bieber, who had multiple legal challenges around the world, even before he clocked 20. In 2013, the “Love Yourself” crooner got on the bad side of the Argentinian government. While on tour in Buenos Aires, Bieber’s security guards - allegedly acting on his orders - attacked a paparazzo at a club. The singer was also accused of disrespecting the Argentinian flag after he kicked it offstage during one of his performances. All of this made a judge order his immediate arrest if he ever stepped foot in the country. With this much time passed, we wonder if it’s too late for Bieber to say sorry?
Jay-Z
As he constantly addresses drugs and violence in his music, no one really goes to a Jay-Z show expecting radio-friendly songs. But we guess the Chinese government missed the memo. In 2006, the rapper was scheduled to play a concert in Shanghai, which would’ve been his very first time performing in China. But their never idle block button was put to use once again and he was denied permission to enter the country. According to the concert promoter, the gig was banned by the Chinese Culture Ministry because “some of Jay-Z’s songs contain too much vulgar language.” So just so we’re clear, celebrities. Never reference Tibet, never talk to the Dalai Lama, never perform in Taiwan, and always make radio-friendly tunes. Got it?
Boy George
The androgynous lead singer of 80s new wave sensation Culture Club found his Las Vegas tour threatened when he was banned from the United States. In 2005, Boy George was arrested for drug possession and for falsely reporting a burglary. While the former charge was dropped, he pleaded guilty to the latter and had to spend five days picking up trash from the streets of New York. Then in 2007, he had yet another run-in with the law, this time in London, when he was charged with assaulting a male escort and holding him against his will. These incidents tainted his record and led to him being denied entry into the U.S. the next year.
Akon
If you’ve seen the music video for David Guetta and Akon’s song “Sexy Chick,” you probably thought “Man, these people don’t look so psyched to be at this pool party.” Well, that is unless you’re part of the Buddhist population of Sri Lanka. Well past the scantily clad women and the half-drunken guys, one other guest invited to the party just happened to be a statue of Buddha. The people of Sri Lanka, a country with a significant Buddhist population, definitely weren’t amused by this. Hundreds of Sri Lankans marched in protest against Akon, leaving the government with no choice but to ban the music mogul from gaining access into the country.
Lady Gaga
Looking back at some of the wild moments in Lady Gaga’s career, it’s not much of a surprise that she would be taboo in some places. While it is officially a secular state, Indonesia has the largest population of Muslims in the world, some of whom deemed Gaga to be too vulgar. This led to a ban on the pop star in 2012 and a cancellation of her concert in Jakarta. Not one to miss out on the Great Firewall of China, Gaga has also been banned twice from the East Asian giant. First, in 2011, also for “being vulgar,” and secondly in 2016, after she sat for a meeting with the Dalai Lama.
Brad Pitt
Speaking of meeting with the Dalai Lama, Brad Pitt earned himself a ban in China when he starred in “Seven Years in Tibet.” In the film, which was based on true events, Pitt plays Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, who befriends a young Dalai Lama after escaping from a prisoner-of-war camp. The movie was set during the Chinese takeover of Tibet and its portrayal of events didn’t sit well with the government of China. Naturally, the major parties involved in the production were all banned from ever stepping foot there. It didn’t take too long for things to be settled between Pitt and China, however, as the Hollywood hunk visited the country in 2014 to promote “Maleficent” with his then-wife Angelina Jolie.
The Beatles
By 1966, the Beatles were at the peak of superstardom, having broken into international markets all around the world. That year, the group went on a tour of Germany, Japan, and the Philippines, with the latter ending in a pretty controversial way. Imelda Marcos, the then First Lady of the Philippines threw a party at the Presidential Palace in honor of the Beatles and invited the group. But sticking with their policy of never attending official functions, their manager, Brian Epstein, declined the invitation on their behalf. This infuriated Marcos, as well as thousands of citizens, who attacked the Beatles as they tried to leave the country. The group earned themselves an unspoken ban and never performed there again.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’ infamous transition from teen idol to adult pop star is one we won’t be forgetting anytime soon. But surprisingly, the incident that resulted in her ban from China happened pre-2013 VMAs. Back in 2009, Cyrus took a picture with her friends squinting their eyes, in a way that was seen as offensive. The Chinese government subsequently banned her from entering the country and stopped the distribution of her TV show and films. As soon as she made the cross into adulthood, Cyrus’ risqué behavior earned her a ban in the Dominican Republic. Officials there deemed her conduct as going against their morals and customs, so they came in like a wrecking ball and prevented her from performing in the country.
Snoop Dogg
Over the course of his career, the OG Snoop Dogg has faced quite a number of bans. In 2006, he was prevented from entering the UK after he caused a scene at London’s Heathrow Airport. Apparently, an airline refused to allow all of his entourage into a first-class lounge. His multiple arrests and convictions painted him in a bad light for Australian authorities who prevented him from entering the country in 2007 for this reason. Then, to top it all off, the rapper received a two-year ban from Norway in 2012, when he was caught trying to sneak cannabis into the country. Snoop reportedly took it in stride, proving that when he’s high, no one can ever bring him down.
Beyoncé
From her rousing dance routines to her controversial performances, Beyoncé has always sparked discussions over everything she does and wears. But while most of these have been limited to online spaces, the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia took things to another level. The predominantly Muslim country placed a ban on the acclaimed performer as they considered her to be too provocative for their moral standards. Queen Bee was scheduled to perform her debut concert in Kuala Lumpur in 2007 but ultimately had to cancel it. According to Malaysian guidelines, female artists must dress conservatively to be allowed to perform on stage. But as Beyoncé is a dedicated artist, not willing to compromise her performance, she remains persona non grata.
Claire Danes
The Philippines
In 1998, Claire Danes was a fresh-faced 19-year-old actress, still riding the wave of her leading role in the 1996 film adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet.” That year, she was cast in the movie “Brokedown Palace” and had to spend several weeks filming in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Danes later had very unflattering things to say about the city, painting a picture of a smelly and rat-infested place. And those are pretty kind words, compared to how she described its people. Naturally, the Manila city council was incensed and declared the actress persona non grata. She was prohibited from entering the entire country and all her movies were banned from showing. Martha Stewart
The United Kingdom
Martha Stewart packs quite a lot in her resume. A businesswoman, lifestyle guru, baker, and an accomplished writer and TV personality. But unfortunately, her record also contains a felony conviction on charges related to stock trading fraud. In 2004, the successful entrepreneur was sentenced to five months in prison, but the consequences of her actions lingered much longer. When she tried visiting Britain in 2008, it was reported that she was denied permission to enter because of her criminal record. Stewart was scheduled to make a speech at the Royal Academy and also planned to film episodes of her TV show, but those plans were given a Great British chop. Tyler, the Creator
New Zealand
In 2014, New Zealand slammed its doors right in the face of sensational rapper Tyler, the Creator and his hip-hop collective Odd Future. The group was billed as an opening act for a music festival headlined by Eminem but had their visas revoked just one hour before their flight. Why, you ask? Well, it had something to do with a 2011 autograph signing session in Boston that became heated. According to officials, Tyler and other members of Odd Future had incited violence at the session and so, they were deemed a threat to public order. Fortunately, the ban was lifted in 2019, so not to worry Down Under fans, he’s all yours.
Gigi Hadid
China
In 2017, top American fashion model Gigi Hadid pulled out of the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to the surprise of many. That is, except for social media users in China. A couple of months prior, Hadid had uploaded a video to her Instagram in which she was laughing while squinting her eyes, in imitation of a Buddha-shaped cookie. The clip quickly went viral and the model was hit with a lot of backlash for what many deemed to be racially insensitive. She may have apologized and taken down the video, but what was done was done. Hadid was barred from entering the country and ended up missing the fashion show. Selena Gomez
Russia
LGBTQ+ rights have always been a very touchy subject in Russia. In 2013, the Eastern European nation enacted a federal law that was touted as a protection of “traditional family values.” But for many people, this was deemed a crackdown on gay rights in the country. That same year, American singer and actress Selena Gomez embarked on her “Stars Dance Tour,” in support of her solo debut album. However, the two shows she had scheduled in St. Petersburg and Moscow were canceled after being denied a visa by Russian immigration. Gomez was reportedly prevented from entering the country due to her outspoken support and activism for the LGBTQ+ community. Martin Scorsese
China
Martin Scorsese films are usually shrouded in controversy for their glorified use of violence and drugs. But in 1997, Scorsese found himself in murky political waters with the release of the biopic “Kundun.” The film, which was a spectacular failure at the box office, detailed the life of Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama and apparently portrayed China in a negative light. It was met with heavy backlash from Chinese authorities who effectively banned Scorsese, together with the film’s screenwriter and producers, from ever stepping foot in the country. It even caused a strong rift between China and Disney, who refused to stop distributing the film at the behest of the country’s leaders. Elton John
Egypt
Being gay himself, Elton John has been a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights all around the world and undoubtedly an influence in many artists’ lives. His outspoken activism has attracted just as much disapproval as it has adulation. The British singer and pianist was booked to play a private concert in Egypt, which was sponsored by Abu Dhabi telecommunications giant Etisalat. The Egyptian Musicians’ Union stopped the show from moving forward, however, citing John’s sexuality and his anti-religious statements as their reasons for doing so. Such a clampdown on the freedom of expression just goes to show the continual need for the type of advocacy people like Elton John champion.
Mike Tyson
New Zealand
In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of assault and sentenced to six years in prison. Although he only served three years before he was released on parole, Tyson’s conviction would come to haunt him two decades later. The famed boxer was supposed to go on a speaking tour in New Zealand and Australia. But his plans were thrown up in the air when the New Zealand government barred him from entering the country because of his conviction. Immigration officials initially approved Tyson’s visa as proceeds from his tour would’ve benefited a children’s charity. But after the charity cut ties with him, they quickly reversed their decision. Too bad the indigenous Maori people never got to see the distinctive face tattoo they supposedly inspired. Katy Perry
China
Gigi Hadid was not the only celebrity who was noticeably absent from the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Katy Perry, who had been scheduled to perform at the event, was also a no-show. Perry’s visa to China was revoked after it was discovered that she had worn a sunflower dress for an earlier performance in Taiwan. This was significant because the sunflower had been adopted as a symbol of hope for the anti-China protests in the island country. At some point during her Taiwanese concert, Perry also waved the country’s flag. And while it may not have been her intention, this was seen as a political gesture, cementing the singer’s indefinite ban from China. Lily Allen
The United States of America
The celebrity life has never been so appealing to Lily Allen. The English singer-songwriter has been open about her discomfort with the flashing lights of the paparazzi. This discomfort was made manifest when she allegedly assaulted a photographer outside a London nightclub. Her subsequent arrest remained on her record and came up when Allen tried entering the U.S. from Australia a few months later. She was stopped and questioned by American authorities, who stripped her of her U.S. work visa, essentially preventing her from performing in the country. Fortunately, the ban was lifted the following year and all was well in Sheezus-land. Justin Bieber
Argentina
Being launched into superstardom at a tender age can be quite overwhelming. This was true for Justin Bieber, who had multiple legal challenges around the world, even before he clocked 20. In 2013, the “Love Yourself” crooner got on the bad side of the Argentinian government. While on tour in Buenos Aires, Bieber’s security guards - allegedly acting on his orders - attacked a paparazzo at a club. The singer was also accused of disrespecting the Argentinian flag after he kicked it offstage during one of his performances. All of this made a judge order his immediate arrest if he ever stepped foot in the country. With this much time passed, we wonder if it’s too late for Bieber to say sorry? Jay-Z
China
As he constantly addresses drugs and violence in his music, no one really goes to a Jay-Z show expecting radio-friendly songs. But we guess the Chinese government missed the memo. In 2006, the rapper was scheduled to play a concert in Shanghai, which would’ve been his very first time performing in China. But their never idle block button was put to use once again and he was denied permission to enter the country. According to the concert promoter, the gig was banned by the Chinese Culture Ministry because “some of Jay-Z’s songs contain too much vulgar language.” So just so we’re clear, celebrities. Never reference Tibet, never talk to the Dalai Lama, never perform in Taiwan, and always make radio-friendly tunes. Got it? Boy George
The United States of America
The androgynous lead singer of 80s new wave sensation Culture Club found his Las Vegas tour threatened when he was banned from the United States. In 2005, Boy George was arrested for drug possession and for falsely reporting a burglary. While the former charge was dropped, he pleaded guilty to the latter and had to spend five days picking up trash from the streets of New York. Then in 2007, he had yet another run-in with the law, this time in London, when he was charged with assaulting a male escort and holding him against his will. These incidents tainted his record and led to him being denied entry into the U.S. the next year. Akon
Sri Lanka
If you’ve seen the music video for David Guetta and Akon’s song “Sexy Chick,” you probably thought “Man, these people don’t look so psyched to be at this pool party.” Well, that is unless you’re part of the Buddhist population of Sri Lanka. Well past the scantily clad women and the half-drunken guys, one other guest invited to the party just happened to be a statue of Buddha. The people of Sri Lanka, a country with a significant Buddhist population, definitely weren’t amused by this. Hundreds of Sri Lankans marched in protest against Akon, leaving the government with no choice but to ban the music mogul from gaining access into the country.
Lady Gaga
Indonesia & China
Looking back at some of the wild moments in Lady Gaga’s career, it’s not much of a surprise that she would be taboo in some places. While it is officially a secular state, Indonesia has the largest population of Muslims in the world, some of whom deemed Gaga to be too vulgar. This led to a ban on the pop star in 2012 and a cancellation of her concert in Jakarta. Not one to miss out on the Great Firewall of China, Gaga has also been banned twice from the East Asian giant. First, in 2011, also for “being vulgar,” and secondly in 2016, after she sat for a meeting with the Dalai Lama. Brad Pitt
China
Speaking of meeting with the Dalai Lama, Brad Pitt earned himself a ban in China when he starred in “Seven Years in Tibet.” In the film, which was based on true events, Pitt plays Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, who befriends a young Dalai Lama after escaping from a prisoner-of-war camp. The movie was set during the Chinese takeover of Tibet and its portrayal of events didn’t sit well with the government of China. Naturally, the major parties involved in the production were all banned from ever stepping foot there. It didn’t take too long for things to be settled between Pitt and China, however, as the Hollywood hunk visited the country in 2014 to promote “Maleficent” with his then-wife Angelina Jolie.The Beatles
The Philippines
By 1966, the Beatles were at the peak of superstardom, having broken into international markets all around the world. That year, the group went on a tour of Germany, Japan, and the Philippines, with the latter ending in a pretty controversial way. Imelda Marcos, the then First Lady of the Philippines threw a party at the Presidential Palace in honor of the Beatles and invited the group. But sticking with their policy of never attending official functions, their manager, Brian Epstein, declined the invitation on their behalf. This infuriated Marcos, as well as thousands of citizens, who attacked the Beatles as they tried to leave the country. The group earned themselves an unspoken ban and never performed there again. Miley Cyrus
China & Dominican Republic
Miley Cyrus’ infamous transition from teen idol to adult pop star is one we won’t be forgetting anytime soon. But surprisingly, the incident that resulted in her ban from China happened pre-2013 VMAs. Back in 2009, Cyrus took a picture with her friends squinting their eyes, in a way that was seen as offensive. The Chinese government subsequently banned her from entering the country and stopped the distribution of her TV show and films. As soon as she made the cross into adulthood, Cyrus’ risqué behavior earned her a ban in the Dominican Republic. Officials there deemed her conduct as going against their morals and customs, so they came in like a wrecking ball and prevented her from performing in the country. Snoop Dogg
The United Kingdom, Australia, & Norway
Over the course of his career, the OG Snoop Dogg has faced quite a number of bans. In 2006, he was prevented from entering the UK after he caused a scene at London’s Heathrow Airport. Apparently, an airline refused to allow all of his entourage into a first-class lounge. His multiple arrests and convictions painted him in a bad light for Australian authorities who prevented him from entering the country in 2007 for this reason. Then, to top it all off, the rapper received a two-year ban from Norway in 2012, when he was caught trying to sneak cannabis into the country. Snoop reportedly took it in stride, proving that when he’s high, no one can ever bring him down.
Beyoncé
Malaysia
From her rousing dance routines to her controversial performances, Beyoncé has always sparked discussions over everything she does and wears. But while most of these have been limited to online spaces, the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia took things to another level. The predominantly Muslim country placed a ban on the acclaimed performer as they considered her to be too provocative for their moral standards. Queen Bee was scheduled to perform her debut concert in Kuala Lumpur in 2007 but ultimately had to cancel it. According to Malaysian guidelines, female artists must dress conservatively to be allowed to perform on stage. But as Beyoncé is a dedicated artist, not willing to compromise her performance, she remains persona non grata.
