SINGAPORE: Singapore yesterday banned US-based ‘pick-up artist’ Julien Blanc from entering the country to conduct seminars after over 8,000 people signed a petition accusing him of legitimising “sexual assault and predation”.
The move by the Southeast Asian city-state follows a similar ban by Britain last week.
Officials in other Asian countries where the 26-year-old Swiss-American had planned to travel on a world tour have also indicated that he may not be granted a visa.
Singapore authorities will bar Blanc from entering the country “especially if he is here to hold seminars or events that propagate violence against women,” a government statement said yesterday.
“Blanc has been involved in seminars in various countries that advised men to use highly abusive techniques when dating women,” said the statement.
“Violence against women or any persons is against Singapore law.”
A petition against Blanc started by Singaporean Charis Mah on the change.org website had called on interior minister Teo Chee Hean to “exclude this individual from Singapore or deport him if he has already entered.”
“To allow this man or the group that he works for into Singapore legitimises sexual assault and predation, and sends a message that women are playthings or objects without agency,” said the petition, which has been signed by over 8,400 people. — AFP