A petition to revoke US rapper Snoop Dogg’s (now Snoop Lion, actually named Calvin Broadus) visa ahead of his headlining Australian tour and Big Day Out 2014 set later this month, has been denied as Immigration Minister Scott Morrison confirmed today that Snoop will be able to enter the country.
The petition was initiated by Talitha Stone, a member of the activist movement Collective Shout, directly appealing to Mr Morrison to deny Snoop a visa for his promotion of hate speech against women. It cites misogynistic song lyrics and a recent interview with Rolling Stone, where the rapper admits to being a real life pimp.
“As a society which claims to be serious about eradicating violence against women, there should be no place for recording artists who glorify misogyny and degrade women for entertainment,” read the letter to the Mr Morrison. “If you really care about women and girls, you will revoke his visa and deny him entry.”
The campaign was launched less than a month ago and quickly reached its target of 2,500 signatures. But The Guardian reports, Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra today “Snoop Dogg has a visa,” confirming the rapper will be allowed to perform at the Big Day Out, which kicks off on the Gold Coast on 19 January.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Morrison’s office confirmed in a statement that Snoop Dogg met the standards for a visa under the “mandatory health and character requirements” but added he “had been warned any infringements will lead to visa cancellation”.
Talitha Stone lead a similar campaign against Tyler, The Creator last year and was subsequently subjected to hordes of abuse from angry fans, including threats of death and rape. She was also verbally abused by Tyler himself during his Sydney gig.
The SMH also reports a counter petition has been posted on change.org appealing to Scott Morrison to allow Snoop to visit Australia, but as of Wednesday afternoon is has only 75 signatures.
