Snoop Dogg Banned from Australia

The Australian government has denied Snoop Dogg entry to the country because of his extensive criminal record. According to the Australian Associated Press, Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews says the rapper failed a required character test and will be issued a notice of intention to revoke his visa. Andrews cited Snoop's prior criminal convictions, particularly his most recent on charges of weapons and drug possession as cause for the ban. Andrews also noted that the rapper was denied entry into the U.K. recently. "He has been denied entry into the United Kingdom because he was caught with others causing affray at [London's] Heathrow Airport. He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country." With regard to the character test used to determine entry into Australia, Andrews noted that a person’s associations, prior convictions and conduct all taken into consideration. "This man has been a member of a Los Angeles gang—and is still associated with it apparently—that’s been involved in murder, robberies and drug dealing in the LA area." Because of the ban, Snoop will be unable to attend the MTV Australia Video Music Awards.