Floyd Mayweather Jr., an undefeated professional boxer, recognised multiple time world champion across multiple divisions, and the richest athlete in the world by some margin, has been denied a Visa into Australia due to the fact that, on top of his sporting accomplishments and considerable wealth, he also happens to have a shocking, repeated history of domestic violence, including multiple convictions and jail time served for beating women.
Mayweather was originally scheduled to appear in the country for a two-date promotional appearance tour. Those plans now appear to be on the verge of being completely scrapped, with the Department of Immigration making it clear that Mayweather’s high profile is of little influence in the decision making process – the bottom line here being international citizens with documented histories of violence against women will not be allowed into the country to profit off the back of the Australian dollar.
The tour was already in severe trouble, after lead backers Brian Amatruda and Mick Gatto – yes, THAT Mick Gatto – withdrew support at the end of January, leading publicist Max Markson to take over the promotion of the tour. The Melbourne venue had already been shifted from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to the Crown Palladium due to what Markson claims were “financial reasons.”
The events in Sydney and Melbourne carried ticket prices that ranged from $200 to $1000 per plate, or $2000 to $10,000 per table. Those people that actually bought tickets to the event will likely be chasing refunds should the event not take place at all.
Whilst in the past the Australian Government has granted Visas to personalities with checkered pasts, including Mike Tyson, who was convicted of rape and served multiple years in prison, over the past six months the Immigration Department has displayed a much tougher stance, impelled by outrage generated from the public via social media. The Department recently cancelled the Visa of self-proclaimed “pick-up artist” Julian Blanc who was scheduled to deliver seminars in Australia, after footage and evidence emerged of his methods that included unwanted physical contact and assaulting women.
Senator Michaelia Cash, the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, stated “The Government takes very seriously its role in protecting the Australian community from the risk of harm by non-citizens who engage in criminal conduct and/or conduct that is of serious concern.“
There’s no place for scumbags like that to profiteer in this country, no matter how much money is in their wallet.
Good riddance to ya, dickhead.
Photo: Al Bello via Getty Images.
via SMH.
