9 Bizzare Reasons Celebrities Were Forbidden From Countries
Occasionally, a famous person won't get on the wrong side of a studio head or network executive. They manage to enrage foreign government officials. As unbelievable as it may seem, a small number of famous people have been blacklisted throughout the entire country. China frequently comes up; the country has a brutal dictatorship and is quite stringent on the actions of its citizens and foreigners.
The Middle East is just like any other region, with its own culture, customs, and aversion to foreign influences. Certain prohibitions are always in effect. Even if some of the bans have been lifted, it is still a major event whenever it does happen and seems to increase the star's popularity. After all, it's quite a triumph to say you managed to piss off a whole nation.
Malaysia didn't welcome them, though. In 2007, they told Beyoncé that national rules required female artists to be covered from shoulder to knees with no cleavage showing. Beyoncé canceled the event after losing 98% of her clothing. In 2009, the Islamic leadership reprimanded her for "immorality." There are plenty of venues for her to rock out, so she doesn't mind.
Snoop trashed a London airport duty-free shop, so the U.K. banned him. Over time, nations have eased these restrictions so Snoop can visit. Norway is strict on past and present drug use. Snoop cannot enter that country despite his efforts. So Snoop can only learn about Viking culture through watching History.
China has banned Taiwanese emblems for longer than anybody can recall. Perry was denied a visa after wearing a sunflower dress, a symbol of Taiwan's liberation campaign. Gigi Hadid and other models were barred, too. Knowing Perry, she'll be eager to spread her style worldwide.
His songs and films promoting gun violence also irked them. Toronto MP Dan McTeague said, "I don't think urban centers need or desire Mr. Jackson's message right now." 50 Cent has remained a great success in the U.S. and worldwide and produced the hit show Power. The Great White North doesn't want him, though.
He was denied admission into the UK in 2010 before a world tour because of a major crime. In 2015, Australia was battling domestic abuse when Brown came for a tour. As he wouldn't have fit, the country denied him admittance. Two nations aren't as forgiving as the U.S. about Brown's actions.
Although it's unclear if Gomez would have done it, Russia refused her entry. She was barred from China a few months later. Photos from 2014 showed Gomez meeting the Dali Lama, a no-no for China. Selena crossed China and Russia off her list, but she continues to impress admirers with her talent.
They said anyone linked with the film, including Pitt, wouldn't be allowed in. Given Pitt's star power and film success, China relaxed the prohibition, and he could cross China off his list for nearly 20 years.
The authorities received numerous complaints about Gaga's provocative costumes and music and feared her show "would corrupt and destroy the nation's moral fiber." Gaga just kept going. China banned her after meeting the Dali Lama, a non grata in China. Because of the band, she wore this as a badge of honor to show how nothing stopped her attitude.
The Middle East is just like any other region, with its own culture, customs, and aversion to foreign influences. Certain prohibitions are always in effect. Even if some of the bans have been lifted, it is still a major event whenever it does happen and seems to increase the star's popularity. After all, it's quite a triumph to say you managed to piss off a whole nation.
9. Beyoncé: Malaysia
Source: Getty Images
Malaysia didn't welcome them, though. In 2007, they told Beyoncé that national rules required female artists to be covered from shoulder to knees with no cleavage showing. Beyoncé canceled the event after losing 98% of her clothing. In 2009, the Islamic leadership reprimanded her for "immorality." There are plenty of venues for her to rock out, so she doesn't mind.
8. Snoop Dogg: Norway
Source: Getty Images
Snoop trashed a London airport duty-free shop, so the U.K. banned him. Over time, nations have eased these restrictions so Snoop can visit. Norway is strict on past and present drug use. Snoop cannot enter that country despite his efforts. So Snoop can only learn about Viking culture through watching History.
7. Katy Perry: China
Source: Getty Images
China has banned Taiwanese emblems for longer than anybody can recall. Perry was denied a visa after wearing a sunflower dress, a symbol of Taiwan's liberation campaign. Gigi Hadid and other models were barred, too. Knowing Perry, she'll be eager to spread her style worldwide.
6. 50 Cent: Canada
Source: Getty Images
His songs and films promoting gun violence also irked them. Toronto MP Dan McTeague said, "I don't think urban centers need or desire Mr. Jackson's message right now." 50 Cent has remained a great success in the U.S. and worldwide and produced the hit show Power. The Great White North doesn't want him, though.
5. Chris Brown: The UK And Australia
Source: Getty Images
He was denied admission into the UK in 2010 before a world tour because of a major crime. In 2015, Australia was battling domestic abuse when Brown came for a tour. As he wouldn't have fit, the country denied him admittance. Two nations aren't as forgiving as the U.S. about Brown's actions.
4. Selena Gomez: Russia And China
Source: Getty Images
Although it's unclear if Gomez would have done it, Russia refused her entry. She was barred from China a few months later. Photos from 2014 showed Gomez meeting the Dali Lama, a no-no for China. Selena crossed China and Russia off her list, but she continues to impress admirers with her talent.
3. Brad Pitt: China
Source: Getty Images
They said anyone linked with the film, including Pitt, wouldn't be allowed in. Given Pitt's star power and film success, China relaxed the prohibition, and he could cross China off his list for nearly 20 years.
2. Lady Gaga: Indonesia And China
Source: Getty Images
The authorities received numerous complaints about Gaga's provocative costumes and music and feared her show "would corrupt and destroy the nation's moral fiber." Gaga just kept going. China banned her after meeting the Dali Lama, a non grata in China. Because of the band, she wore this as a badge of honor to show how nothing stopped her attitude.
1. Justin Bieber: China
Source: Getty Images
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