New Zealand denies Odd Future entry into the country, calling them a 'threat to public order'

Tyler, the Creator and Odd future were scheduled to join Eminem at Rapture Festival in New Zealand, but their entry visas into the country were revoked because the group is considered "a potential threat to public order," according to Pitchfork.

In a statement to 3 News, Immigration New Zealand said: "The Immigration Act 2009 provides that entry permission may not be granted where there is reason to believe there is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to public order or the public interest. Odd Future has been deemed to be a potential threat to public order and the public interest for several reasons, including incidents at past performances in which they have incited violence. In one instance, a police officer was hospitalised following a riot incited by Odd Future."

The band's manager Christian Clancy tweeted, "sorry new zealand apparently this group of kids that have inspired the shit out of me for the last few years are a threat to society. ... and thanks for the hour before flight heads up. after approving and issuing visas."

As Pitchfork notes, Kendrick Lamar was originally scheduled to play the festival, but Odd Future stepped in when he cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.

According to 3 News, a campaign by anti-sexual violence group Stop Demand, wanted to pull the group from the show at Western Springs, which is a council-owned venue, due to the violent sexual content in the group's lyrics. "We reject entirely the minimisation of such extreme women-hating vitriol by this group as mere artistic expression, or lyrics that don't appeal to sections of society," founder Denise Ritchie said in a letter to Auckland Councillors, calling for the band to be removed from the lineup.

The group was reportedly kicked off New Zealand's Big Day Out festival bill in 2011 because of their lyrics. They ended up playing a side show in Auckland instead.

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