Banned Celebrities
Musical celebrities often perform around the globe. It's a way for the music to touch the hearts of thousands and give people an unforgettable experience.
But did you know there are celebrities that are banned from performing in other countries? A lot of your favorite celebs have been banned in certain countries. From being deemed too provocative to showing different cultural values, these celebs are on the ban list for these countries.
Beyonce
Beyonce, or as her fans call her, "Queen Bey," is one of the greatest performers to emerge out of the band Destiny's Child. After going solo, she found a lot more success than when she was in a group.
But did you know that Beyonce is banned in Malaysia? It's hard to think why she would be banned from anywhere, but the official reason is that her performances are just too provocative.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is an influential singer-songwriter and still finds a lot of acclaim today. But in 2009, she was banned from visiting China when she posted a photo of herself seemingly mocking them.
Minister Jang Jiechi said, "Miss Cyrus has made it clear she is no friend of China or anyone of East Asian descent. We have no interest in further polluting our children's minds with her American ignorance."
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is what they call a "triple threat." She is not only a talented actress, but she's also a successful singer and producer.
But her success will be limited to countries outside of China. The Chinese government decided to ban the singer and actress after they found a photo of her posing with the Dalai Lama. We're not sure what the reason beyond that is.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is another successful pop singer that has most recently appeared as a TV personality in a few shows. She's also been a judge on numerous musical TV shows.
But Katy Perry was banned from China after doing a performance with a specific dress on. The dress was adorned with sunflowers - symbolism of a protest against China's trade agreement in 2014.
Kesha
Kesha is an American pop star that found acclaim after featuring in Flo Rida's single "Right Round" in 2009. But since then, she's been banned in Malaysia.
Kesha had scheduled a concert in Malaysia in 2014. But before she could perform, it was canceled by the government. They said that they thought her concert would harm their religious and cultural sensitivities.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is an American socialite, businesswoman, actress, and singer. She was born into fame and fortune with her family building and owning the Hilton Hotel.
But she's banned in China. The celebrity icon is actually banned in China, but not for the reasons you'd think. Due to drug violations in the U.S., she isn't allowed in China.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is a Hollywood icon, from his early movie performances to his successful music career. But he's been banned in China due to "misbehavior."
An official statement read, "Justin Bieber is a gifted singer, but in order to maintain order in the Chinese market and purify the Chinese performance environment, it is not suitable to bring in badly behaved entertainers."
The Beatles
The Beatles are often credited with leading the "British Invasion" of rock music in the 1960s. With their popularity, you'd think every country would happily have them. That's not true.
At the peak of their popularity, the Philippines First Lady - Imelda Marcos - invited them to have tea with her. After they declined, they were banned from performing in the Philippines.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart is a businesswoman and TV personality. She's written several books, most being about cooking.
But did you know that she's actually not allowed in the United Kingdom? Yes, Martha Stewart does not have a visa to the United Kingdom. Her application was denied after all of her criminal convictions in the U.S.
Lily Allen
Lily Allen is the daughter of actor Keith Allen and producer Alison Owen. With that in mind, she was always meant for greatness.
She's become a successful British singer, but her U.S. Visa was revoked in 2007. Lily Allen's work visa to the U.S. was revoked in 2007 after she did something that all celebs think about but never do, hit the paparazzi.
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, or Akon, as he goes by now, is an American singer songwriter. He gained acclaim in 2004 after he released his first album.
But after releasing the music video for "Sexy Chick," he was banned from ever going to Sri Lanka. This is because he had promiscuous women posing in front of a statue of Buddha.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is a Hollywood A-list celebrity. He's been acting for decades and still doesn't show any signs of wanting to stop soon.
He most recently starred in Tarintino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. But he's banned in China, like a lot of other celebrities. After acting in "Seven Years In Tibet," he's not allowed to visit the country for the next 15 years!
Snoop Dogg
Everyone knows who the "D double G" is. The acclaimed rapper has never hidden his closeness with marijuana, but it seems Norway has put its foot down.
The rapper is banned from visiting Norway after a mishap at the airport. They caught him with eight grams of marijuana and revoked his right to visit the country.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga first her fame as an accomplished performer and singer. But she's full of surprises, becoming a talented actress as well. But because of her performances, she's been banned in Indonesia.
The Islamic Defenders Front (IDF) has been loud about her performances going against Islamic traditions. Her shows have been deemed too vulgar, and as such, she's banned from the country.