Odd Future denied entry to New Zealand

Tyler The Creator and his fellow Odd Future members have been refused entry into New Zealand, where they were scheduled to perform at the country’s Rapture Festival.

Whilst Earl Sweatshirt was allowed to play Laneway Festival in Auckland just two weeks back, Tyler and co were blocked after being deemed “a potential threat to public order”.

Immigration New Zealand told 3 News: ”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.”

The statement continued: “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.”

Odd Future had previously been kicked off a festival bill in New Zealand back in 2011, proceeding to throw their own show elsewhere as a response.

The band were informed of this decision just an hour before their flight.

[via Pitchfork]