On November 28, New Zealand immigration authorities announced their refusal to grant a visa to U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens. The decision comes weeks after Australia also denied her entry, citing remarks that minimized the Holocaust and other controversial statements. Owens had planned a speaking tour in both countries, scheduled for early 2025, but her visa rejections have cast doubt on the events.
The New Zealand immigration agency stated that their decision was legally mandated, as Owens had been barred from another country. Officials did not comment on her political views but cited their policy prohibiting visas for individuals excluded elsewhere. This followed a more explicit rebuke from Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke, who stated that Owens’ rhetoric “has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,” referencing her comments about Jews and Muslims.
Owens, a polarizing figure in U.S. political discourse, has a substantial online following of over three million on YouTube. She has faced criticism for her views on feminism, Black Lives Matter, and vaccines, and more recently, for remarks downplaying Nazi medical experimentation during the Holocaust. Owens left the Daily Wire in March after disagreements over her statements on Jewish issues and her opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Despite the visa bans, tickets for Owens’ events in New Zealand and Australia remain on sale, with no updates from the promoter acknowledging the entry refusals. Owens had promoted the tour as an opportunity to discuss free speech and her Christian faith, topics she claimed were central to her public engagements.
Jewish organizations in Australia had previously lobbied against Owens’ entry, and the backlash reflects broader concerns about the impact of her rhetoric. Australian officials framed their decision as serving the nation’s interests, while New Zealand’s stance focused on adherence to visa policies rather than ideological disagreements.
The controversy highlights the challenges public figures face when their statements provoke international scrutiny. Owens and her promoter, Rocksman, have yet to respond to the visa denials, leaving the future of her tour uncertain. These developments underscore the broader implications of divisive speech in a globalized world.
