Odd Future ProfilePopular hip hop collective Odd Future have been banned from entering New Zealand by local authorities who deem their presence a threat to the safety of the nation's people.
The group were set to travel to Auckland to perform a show in support of Eminem as a part of the massive Rapture tour after initial main support Kendrick Lamar was forced to withdraw from the event due to a scheduling conflict.
Immigration New Zealand have issued a statement this afternoon explaining their decision to ban the rappers from the country, claiming the group have incited violence at previous shows and would be a threat to public order or the public interest.
"The Immigration Act 2009 provides that entry permission may not be granted where there is reason to believe there is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to public order or the public interest," the statement reads.
"Odd Future has been deemed to be a potential threat to public order and the public interest for several reasons, including incidents at past performances in which they have incited violence. In one instance, a police officer was hospitalised following a riot incited by Odd Future."
The group's manager Christian Clancy has taken to twitter to slam Immigration New Zealand, saying they were informed of the band just an hour before being due to fly to New Zealand and after visas had been issued and approved.
sorry new zealand apparently this group of kids that have inspired the shit out of me for the last few years are a threat to society.
— 4 Strikes (@christianclancy) February 13, 2014
and thanks for the hour before flight heads up. after approving and issuing visas.
— 4 Strikes (@christianclancy) February 13, 2014
Group leader Tyler, the Creator was typically verbose about the decision.
OF IS BANNED FROM NEW ZEALAND, AGAIN. THEY SAID WE WERE 'TERRORIST THREATS AND BAD FOR THE SOCIETY' OR WHATEVER. SICK. THEY ARE ANTI GOLF
— Tyler, The Creator (@fucktyler) February 13, 2014
The group did play in New Zealand in 2012, they were supposed to be a part of the Big Day Out that year but were taken off the bill due to pressure from those opposing their lyrical content and given an Auckland club show instead.
Pressure to ban Tyler, the Creator from Australia mounted upon his 2013 tour alongside fellow Odd Future rapper Earl Sweatshirt, with anti-objectification of women and sexualisation of girls organisation Collective Shout calling on Australian authorities to revoke his visa.
