R Kellys Plan to Perform in Australia Prompts Pushback on Character Grounds
NEW YORK  R. Kelly is planning an international tour, but an Australian lawmaker wants the country to bar him from performing there. The embattled musician announced on social media Tuesday that he'll be going to Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. "See y'all soon" the post said, accompanied by a picture of Kelly and the declaration "The King of RB." No dates or venues were revealed. Kelly's career has been stifled since a MuteRKelly campaign gained momentum last year to protest his alleged sexual abuse of women and girls, which Kelly denies. Lifetime's documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly" last month drew even more attention to the allegations, and his record label has reportedly dropped him. Kelly is a multiplatinum RB star who has not only notched multiple hits for himself, but also many high-profile performers. Australia has denied entry to other foreigners on character grounds, among them convicted classified document leaker Chelsea Manning, anti-vaxxer Kent Heckenlively and Gavin McInnes, founder of the all-male far-right group Proud Boys. "If the Immigration Minister suspects that a non-citizen does not pass the character test, or there is a risk to the community while they are in Australia, he should use the powers he has under the Migration Act to deny or cancel their visa," senior opposition lawmaker Shayne Neumann said in a statement. Minister David Coleman's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Kelly's career has been stifled since a MuteRKelly campaign gained momentum last year to protest his alleged sexual abuse of women and girls, which Kelly denies. Lifetime's documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly" last month drew even more attention to the allegations, and his record label has reportedly dropped him. Kelly is a multiplatinum RB star who has not only notched multiple hits for himself, but also many high-profile performers.