UK bars two U.S. online commentators from entering for festival appearances

British authorities canceled electronic travel authorizations for two American online commentators scheduled to appear at events in London this week. The men had planned to speak at the South by Southwest festival and at the Oxford Union. One commentator said he learned of the cancellation when he tried to board a flight to London.

He previously campaigned for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 presidential election. The second commentator has described himself as anti-Zionist rather than antisemitic. He has called for greater accountability over Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.

Both men have characterized the Israeli offensive in Gaza as a genocide. An independent UN inquiry concluded in September that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli government rejected that finding.

prior statements The UK Home Office stated that such decisions rest solely on assessments of potential risk to UK society. Individuals may apply for a visa if they still wish to travel. British media reported that the decision regarding one commentator was based on grounds that his presence would risk exacerbating antisemitism.

One commentator wrote on X that he had been banned for criticizing Israel and asked whether the country remained free. The second commentator apologized several years earlier for 2019 remarks that America deserved the September 11 attacks, saying he should have used more precise language.

Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Britain and the European Union.