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Matty Healy and the 1975 were banned from ever performing in Malaysia again after making a controversial stance at the Good Vibes music festival in Kuala Lumpur in July 2023. On stage, Healy made an expletive-laden speech about the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and kissed his bandmate, Ross MacDonald, in defiance. Their show was cut short and the rest of the festival was canceled by the Ministry of Communications and Digital.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have been severe sanctions and travel bans imposed on high-ranking Russian officials and oligarchs. In retaliation, President Putin compiled a "blacklist" consisting of 963 US citizens who are now prohibited from entering Russia. Notable figures on the list include President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and their spouses, along with Hillary Clinton. Tech leaders like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg were included, as well as actor Morgan Freeman.
See also: Things you should never do in Russia
Banned from: Malaysia.
Bey has been banned in Malaysia for promoting "Western sensuality."
Banned from: the UK and Australia.
Due to his conviction for domestic violence against ex-girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown is barred from entering these two countries.
Banned from: Argentina and China.
According to Time, there are allegations that Biebs assaulted a photographer in Argentina and showed disrespect towards the country's flag during a concert. Additionally, China has banned him due to his behavior as an entertainer.
Banned from: China.
Due to the portrayal of the 14th Dalai Lama in a positive manner and the unfavorable depiction of Communist military officers in his movie 'Seven Years in Tibet,' Pitt was initially barred from entering China. However, in 2016, he was able to visit the country again.
Banned from: Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
Sacha Baron Cohen's films 'The Dictator' and 'Borat' led to being banned from Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. The movies contained content they found highly offensive and insulting.
Banned from: China and Russia.
Selena faced a ban in Russia due to her support for LGBTQ+ rights, while in China she was denied entry because of a photo she took with the Dalai Lama.
Banned from: the Philippines.
In 1966, the band faced a ban in the Philippines after declining an invitation to have breakfast with the First Lady.
Banned from: Indonesia.
Gaga was banned from entering Indonesia because the Islamic Defenders Front deemed her a "destroyer of morals."
Banned from: China.
The Chinese government barred the Icelandic singer from entering their country after she performed in Shanghai and chanted about "Tibet."
Banned from: the UK and New Zealand.
According to The Guardian, the rapper has been labeled as "a risk to societal harmony" in the UK and New Zealand due to certain aspects of his song lyrics.
Banned from: China.
Since 1995, Ford has been refused access to China due to his support for Tibetan independence.
Banned from: China.
According to NME, Jay was prohibited from entering China due to his "indecent" lyrics.
Banned from: the Philippines.
The actor faced a ban for cracking a joke about "Filipino mail-order brides" in the country.
Banned from: China and the Dominican Republic.
Miley was barred from China due to a controversial photo in which she narrows her eyes. Similarly, she is prohibited from performing in the Dominican Republic because her performances contradict the country's morals and customs.
Banned from: Sri Lanka.
The singer is prohibited in Sri Lanka due to his 'S*** Chick' video depicting a provocative pool gathering near a Buddha statue.
Banned from: China.
Katy Perry has reportedly faced a ban in China due to wearing a Taiwanese flag at one of her concerts.
Banned from: China.
Chinese officials were displeased with the director's 1997 film 'Kundun' due to its depiction of the Dalai Lama's youth.
Banned from: the United States.
According to The Telegraph, in 2008, the singer was refused a visa to enter the US due to an ongoing trial in the UK.
Banned from: Malaysia.
The pop singer was prohibited from holding a concert in Malaysia due to concerns that her performance might offend cultural and religious sentiments of the local community.
Banned from: the UK.
Due to her criminal record in the US, Stewart was denied entry into the UK.
Banned from: New Zealand.
According to a report from The Guardian, New Zealand denied entry to the ex-boxer due to his conviction in 1992.
Banned from: Japan.
Due to her criminal history, the Hilton heiress is prohibited from entering Japan.
Banned from: Japan and Canada.
Russell Brand faces travel restrictions in two nations due to past substance-related convictions.
Banned from: Norway.
The rapper from the West Coast was prohibited from entering the Nordic nation for a duration of two years due to his attempt to bring mari***** into the country.
Banned from: Egypt.
According to The Guardian, Elton John was allegedly prevented from performing in Egypt for being gay.
Banned from: United States.
Despite the ban being lifted, the vocalist was barred from entering the US in 2007 due to her London arrest after assaulting a paparazzi.
Banned from: Canada.
Due to a previous DUI conviction, Slater is currently prohibited from entering Canada.
Banned from: the UK.
The UK barred the rapper's entry due to "unresolved convictions" he had in the United States.
Banned from: China.
The entire Bon Jovi band faced restrictions in China due to their use of a picture of the Dalai Lama at a concert in Taiwan.
Banned from: Canada.
The rapper's entrance into Canada was denied due to his criminal past and lyrics that were said to incite violence.
While he may have expected admiration for his actions, Healy was instead met with heavy criticism from Malaysia's LGBTQ+ community. His stunt was described as "purely performative activism," which has done more harm than good. While risking nothing himself, Healy pushed back the tentative progress made by activists in the country who now have to live with the consequences of the outrage he caused. They say Healy's actions only make life for the Malaysian LGBTQ+ community worse and make it more difficult for music artists to perform in the country.
Being a celebrity has certain perks, such as the opportunity to travel around the world. However, it also comes with increased scrutiny and sometimes leads to clashes with other cultures and laws while traveling. Many stars have been blacklisted from entering entire countries due to their personal views, their criminal records, and a variety of other reasons.
Curious? Click through the gallery to discover which celebrities have faced shocking travel restrictions.
These stars have been banned from entering certain countries
Stars that have been banned for their views or past actions
CELEBRITY Banned
Being a celebrity has certain perks, such as the opportunity to travel around the world. However, it also comes with increased scrutiny and sometimes leads to clashes with other cultures and laws while traveling. Many stars have been blacklisted from entering entire countries due to their personal views, their criminal records, and a variety of other reasons.
Curious? Click through the gallery to discover which celebrities have faced shocking travel restrictions.