Snoop Dogg’s visa clearance battle with Australian officials has drawn the attention of Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe, who is urging his native country to lift their temporary ban on the rap star.
In late August, Snoop was denied a visa to launch an October tour with Ice Cube. Representatives for the Australian government justified their stance by explaining they’ve received “complaints” from residents who are wary of Snoop’s previous criminal history.
In 2007, Snoop was also denied a visa request from the country.
Russell Crowe, in a letter to Australia’s Minister of Immigration, recently implored his country to revisit their decision.
“I have known Snoop Dogg for 3 years…[he] poses no threat to Australia or to any individual in this country; he has toured here three times before without incident and there are no reasons to assume this tour will be anything but the positive experience the last three have been,” Crowe detailed. “Snoop has built a stellar reputation with promoters and audiences worldwide.”
Seeking to illuminate the man behind the music, Crowe also reviewed Snoop’s community service activities through his youth football team.
“Snoop has used his celebrity in many positive ways. I would like to bring to your attention a very significant contribution he has made in the City of Los Angeles where he started and continues to operate a Youth Football League for 8 to 10 year olds, put in place so that disadvantaged kids could take part in organized team sports,” Crowe continued. “It has been very successful, even to the point it has been examined by the NFL as they look to replicate the enthusiasm and engagement that kids have with this program.”
At press time, the Australian government is reconsidering their decision to grant the visa and allow the tour.
Promoters for the tour have confirmed the scheduled dates and will move forward unless notified otherwise.
As a compromise, officials may still mandate that Snoop receive mandatory “counseling” on how to conduct himself in the country.