Pickup artist Blanc denied entry into Singapore

SINGAPORE — Self-proclaimed pick-up artist Julien Blanc will not be allowed to enter Singapore, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

The decision was made following a petition by a Singaporean woman to bar Mr Blanc, who recently made headlines when his visa was revoked in Australia, from entering the Republic.

In a joint statement today (Nov 26), the ICA and MSF said that Mr Blanc will be denied entry, especially if he was here to hold seminars or events that propagate violence against women or to participate in other objectionable activities in Singapore.

“Blanc has been involved in seminars in various countries that advised men to use highly abusive techniques when dating women. Violence against women or any persons is against Singapore law,” the statement said.

The petition, started by Ms Charis Mah on Nov 14, has since drawn over 8,000 signatures. It was addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, whom Ms Mah asked to deny Mr Blanc and his group, Real Social Dynamics, entry into Singapore or to be deported if they had already entered.

It came on the heels of similar petitions started in Japan, Canada and the UK, joining widespread protests over Mr Blanc’s methods of attracting women, which some say advocate violence towards women and racism.

Ms Mah shared the ICA and MSF’s response on the petition site change.org today, saying “We took a stand and we did it! Thank you everybody!”.