With almost 200 countries around the globe, one can safely assume that different cultures have mixed opinions about celebrities. Sometimes, these opinions can reach as far as banning people from their territory! Yes, even someone as innocuous as Selena Gomez.
Who are these celebrities and why they have been declared 'persona non grata' abroad? Let's have a look.
(Photo: Pexels / Jaymantri)
The former star of 'Wizards of Waverly Place' shared on social media a picture of her with the Dalai Lama, which was more than enough to be barred from entering China. Russia, meanwhile, said 'nyet' to her for her support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt earned a 15-year ban from entering China after starring in 'Seven Years in Tibet', a movie that cast the Communist regime in a poor light.
The government of Malaysia didn't allow the musician Kesha to perform in the country in 2013, arguing that she was a threat to the cultural values and religious sensibilities of the southeastern Asian country.
New York rapper 50 Cent faced trouble performing in Canada after a few local politicians complained about his criminal record and argued that his music promoted violence. CNBC reports that, after some obstacles, the musician had no trouble giving concerts across the Great White North.
Speaking of musicians, Queen Bey herself was forced to cancel a concert in Malaysia after local authorities demanded that she wore clothes that covered most of her body. This clashed with the wardrobe she had prepared for her tour.
Pop sensation Lady Gaga suspended a concert in Indonesia in 2012 after receiving harsh criticism due to her costumes and attitude. She feared for her safety and the show was canceled.
After an altercation with the police at the Heathrow Airport of London, the rapper found himself suspended from visiting the UK.
The King of R&B was denied entry to the UK in 2011 for a memorial event dedicated to Michael Jackson after reports of domestic abuse against his partner, Rihanna, were made public. Australia followed suit, banning him for the same reason.
Rihanna herself was mired in controversy in 2013 after taking pictures of her visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that were deemed inappropriate. She was asked to leave the premises of the place of worship in Abu Dhabi.
Pop singer Justin Bieber got into trouble after sending his bodyguards to handle a journalist and take possession of his equipment during a visit to Buenos Aires in 2013. He was prosecuted in absentia and the case was dismissed.
The Biebs faced bigger problems in China. After a series of unfortunate public appearances in the country in 2017, including shooting a music video at The Great Wall that was deemed 'disrespectful', Beiber was singled out as “a bad example” and requested not to return.
British singer Lilly Allen wasn't allowed to enter the United States due to accusations of having assaulted some paparazzi in London. She missed the MTV Awards that year and the chance to record a music video with Kanye West.
Jon Bon Jovi and his band were banned in China after showing a picture of the Dalai Lama at one of their concerts in Taiwan.
The singer of 'I Kissed a Girl' and 'Firework' was seen with a flag of Taiwan in one of her shows, which was more than enough to get the rejection of the Beijing government. China doesn't recognize Taiwan as an independent country.
Although the Gallagher brothers no longer perform that much, they no longer can play in China after showing their public support for an independent Tibet.
Harrison Ford, known to have played Han Solo and Indiana Jones, has been banned from China since 1995 due to his support of an independent Tibet.
Local authorities in Malaysia kept Gwen Stefani under watch to make sure she didn't dress up 'obscenely' during her concerts.
Gwen Stefani is hardly the only female performer to have been embroiled in problems with Malaysian authorities. Avril Lavigne had to cancel a concert in Kuala Lumpur in 2012 because she was deemed a bad influence on the country's youth.
The British songwriter, the creator of classical melodies such as 'Wild World' and 'Moonshadow', adopted the name Yusuf Islam when he became a Muslim. According to Fox News, the name appeared in 2004 on a list of possible terrorists, barring the musician from entry to the United States.
Madonna has faced many controversies in different countries throughout the years. The constant use of religious references and imagery, particularly in 'Like a Virgin', got her to be branded as 'blasphemous' by the Catholic hierarchy.
A few years later, baring her breasts in the middle of a concert earned the Queen of Pop a prohibition from entering Turkey.
Back in China, the Beijing government ruled that the rapper's lyrics are too crass to be let inside the country.
The wealthy hotel heiress wasn't allowed to visit Tokyo in 2010 after border patrol determined she was carrying illegal substances. Hilton was promptly sent back to the United States.
'30 Rock' actor Alec Baldwin joked on the David Letterman show that he was going to order a Filipina mail bride. The reaction from Manila didn't take long to arrive.
According to The Guardian, Elton John's relationships with men were enough reason to be forbidden to perform in Egypt in 2010.
