Australia Cancels Kanye West’s Visa Over Controversial ‘Heil Hitler’ Track

Australia has officially revoked the visa of American rapper Kanye West, known legally as Ye, following the release of a controversial track titled “Heil Hitler.” The move was confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday, 2 july 2025,who cited the song’s glorification of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler as incompatible with Australian values and laws.

The track, which dropped on May 8—the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II—sparked immediate backlash for its provocative title and alleged antisemitic undertones. In it, Ye reportedly makes references that many critics and community leaders have described as hate speech and deeply offensive to Holocaust survivors and their families.

Minister Burke told ABC, the public broadcaster, that Ye’s visa had been under review even before the song’s release due to previous antisemitic remarks and erratic behavior.

“He’s made a lot of offensive comments. But my officials looked at it again once he released the ‘Heil Hitler’ song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia,” Burke said.

Burke clarified that the visa Ye held was not for the purpose of public performances or concerts, but rather a lower-tier visa that allowed him to travel and stay in the country. The rapper has ties to Australia through his wife, Bianca Censori, who is from Melbourne. Ye has reportedly visited the country multiple times in recent years to see her family.

 “It was a lower level [visa], and the officials still looked at the law and said, ‘You’re going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism – we don’t need that in Australia,’” Burke added.

The cancellation of Ye’s visa reflects Australia’s broader legal stance against hate speech, especially content that is seen as glorifying violence, fascism, or antisemitism. Under Australian migration law, the government can deny or cancel visas for individuals considered a risk to community harmony or who are found to be promoting extremist views.

Jewish community organizations in Australia praised the government’s decision, calling it a strong stand against antisemitism and a defense of multicultural values.

Ye has not publicly responded to the visa cancellation as of the time of this report. His latest track has also been taken down by several streaming platforms following public outcry and pressure from civil rights groups.