Australia rejects visa application by rightwing US pundit Candace Owens
GuardianOct 25
Commentator Candace Owens Denied Entry to Australia
Above: Candace Owens during "Turning Point's The Peoples Convention" on June 14, 2024, at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. Image copyright: Jeff Kowalsky/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Australia has rejected the visa application of American conservative influencer and podcast host Candace Owens over her alleged "capacity to incite discord in almost every direction." Owens has reportedly vowed to appeal the decision.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke accused Owens of making controversial comments ranging from "downplaying the impact of the Holocaust" to "claims that Muslims started slavery," arguing that "Australia's national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else."
The Spin
Left narrative
Candace Owens uses her platform to incite hatred against virtually every minority group — from disparaging racial justice movements and the LGBTQ+ community to downplaying the plight of Jews during the Holocaust. While the US has unfortunately had to endure her bigotry, Australia has asserted its right not to bring her vile disinformation to its shores. It's comforting to know that some governments won't be complicit in platforming her views.
Right Pro-Establishment Narrative
While no one should be banned from speaking in any country, it makes sense that Australia, in particular, took issue with Owens. She questioned accounts of a heinous Nazi experiment on twins, one of whom currently lives in Australia at the age of 100. As for the rest of her comments, it's unfortunate to see a bright, young conservative fall down the anti-Semitic rabbit hole. Hopefully, Owens will one day see the error of her ways and return to real conservatism, rather than just attacking Jews.
Right Establishment-Critical Narrative
When powerful governments and media organizations join in attacking a political pundit, it's safe to assume that person is speaking some truth. The Western establishment hates that Owens is an America-first nationalist, which is why they're conflating nationalism with fascism, and taking her comments out of context. Owens was speaking on a global platform before this Australian ban, which proves the West's intolerance for free speech.