These 14 Celebrities Can’t Step Foot in Certain Countries

From controversial political statements to wild on-tour antics, even the world’s biggest stars can find themselves persona non-grata in certain parts of the world. Whether it’s for breaking local laws, disrespecting cultural norms, or just plain bad behavior, these bans prove that fame doesn’t grant immunity from consequences.

From musicians who pushed boundaries on stage to actors who easily made enemies, here are 14 celebrities that were once — and in some cases, still are — banned from other countries, plus the reasons why.

1. Justin Bieber

• Banned From: China
• Reason: In 2017, Chinese authorities reportedly cited Bieber’s controversial image and “bad behavior” as concerns in maintaining “order in the performance environment.” They added that the singer’s past conduct had caused “public dissatisfaction,” but noted that he would be welcome to return once he “matures” and “improve his words and actions.”

2. Kesha

• Banned From: Malaysia
• Reason: In 2013, Malaysian authorities expressed concerns that the American singer’s concert might “offend local religious or cultural sensibilities.” Though Kesha agreed to modify her show, lyrics, and even wardrobe, authorities ultimately denied the permit at the last minute, resulting in the event’s cancellation.

3. Katy Perry

• Banned From: China
• Reason: Perry was banned from China in 2017 after officials denied her entry ahead of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The decision stemmed from a 2015 concert in Taiwan, where she wore a sunflower-adorned dress — a symbol linked to the Taiwanese independence movement. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reclaimed.

4. Paris Hilton

Presley Ann/Getty Images

• Banned From: Japan
• Reason: Hilton was denied entry to Japan in 2010 following her guilty plea to a drug possession charge in the U.S. Under Japanese law, individuals with any drug-related convictions are typically barred from entering the country.

5. Miley Cyrus

• Banned From: China
• Reason: The Hannah Montana singer was banned from China after posting a photo in 2009 where she pulled her eyes back to mimic an Asian appearance. Chinese officials condemned the image as “offensive and disrespectful” toward East Asians, and even pulled her music from all major Chinese media and streaming platforms.

6. Brad Pitt

• Banned From: China
• Reason: Pitt was barred from entering China following the 1997 release of “Seven Years in Tibet,” which portrayed the Chinese occupation of Tibet in a negative light. Though the ban wasn’t officially permanent, Pitt was reportedly unwelcome for nearly two decades until he made a quiet visit with then-wife Angelina Jolie in 2014.

7. DJ Zedd

• Banned From: China
• Reason: In 2019, the German DJ revealed that he had been permanently banned from China after liking a tweet from the official South Park account. His publicist confirmed the ban but offered no further details, though it came shortly after China banned the show for mocking the Chinese government and its iron-clad grip over free speech.

8. Alec Baldwin

• Banned From: The Philipines
• Reason: In 2009, the American actor was banned from entering the Philippines after making a joke on TV about Filipino mail-order brides and sex trafficking in the country. Despite issuing a public apology, Filipino authorities deemed the remark terribly offensive and maintained the ban. They also called Baldwin “an undesirable alien.” Ouch.

9. Akon

• Banned From: Sri Lanka
• Reason: Akon was barred from entering Sri Lanka in 2010 over his appearance in David Guetta’s music video “Sexy Chick,” which featured a Buddha statue in the background. Buddhist groups and government officials condemned the video as disrespectful, and despite Akon issuing an apology, protests led authorities to ban the singer from the country.

10. Harrison Ford

• Banned From: China
• Reason: Ford is banned from China due to his outspoken support of Tibetan independence, including his 1995 testimony before the U.S. Senate criticizing China’s human rights record in Tibet. His wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, also drew Beijing’s ire for her work on Martin Scorsese’s film “Kundun,” which depicted the life of the Dalai Lama.

11. Mike Tyson

• Banned From: New Zealand
• Reason: The infamous boxer was banned from New Zealand in 2012 after his visa was revoked due to his 1992 rape conviction. The former boxer had planned to visit the country for a speaking tour, but following public outcry and opposition from government officials (including the prime minister), authorities cancelled his visa.

12. Beyoncé

• Banned From: Malaysia
• Reason: Beyoncé was banned from performing in Malaysia in both 2007 and 2009 after Islamic conservatives accused her of being too provocative and inappropriate for the Muslim-majority nation. Citing concerns over her revealing outfits and racy onstage performances, officials pressured organizers, ultimately prompting the singer to cancel both tours.

13. Elton John

• Banned From: Egypt
• Reason: In 2010, Elton John was banned from performing in Egypt because of his openness about being gay and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The head of Egypt’s Musicians’ Union, known for censoring artists considered to have “loose morals,” blocked his concert and declared that the singer was not welcome in Egypt for his “anti-religious sentiments.”

14. Selena Gomez

• Banned From: Russia
• Reason: In 2013, Gomez was denied a visa to perform in Russia due to her outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights. Though officials cited “visa-processing delays”, the move was viewed as a retaliation campaign under Russia’s stringent anti-gay laws, and as part of a broader crackdown on artists who spoke out in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

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