Comedian Russell Brand was refused entry into South Africa earlier. The star is supposed to be kicking off his Messiah Complex tour in Johannesburg tonight, but instead he has been forced to cancel and try and resolve this issue.
Tonight's J-burg show cancelled. SA authorities REFUSE TO LET ME INTO YOUR COUNTRY. Trying to resolve it. #MessiahComplex
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) November 15, 2013
“@super_saffa_k: You said Messiah. Our idiotic government equates that with the Dalai Lama (he couldn't get in either).” #flatteringban
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) November 15, 2013
#LetRussellBrandIn I say!!
UPDATE: Here’s a press release pertaining to the matter:
MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release 15 November 2013
TONIGHT’S RUSSELL BRAND TEATRO SHOW CANCELLED
The first show of Russell Brand’s “Messiah Complex” SA Tour scheduled to take place tonight, Friday, 15 November 2013 at the Teatro at Montecasino has regretfully been cancelled owing to an unexpected delay that caused him to miss his flight.
‘There was a technical problem with his passport and the airline did not allow him to board. The promoter has made emergency arrangements to get him to Johannesburg – but unfortunately he will be a day late. Showtime is working to replace tonights show with a performance next week. This will be advised as soon as possible. Patrons for tonights show can either get a full refund from Computicket – or hold on to their tickets until a possible replacement date is announced. If this does not happen – Computicket will fully refund on presentation from next week.’ says local promoter, Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “We apologise to Russell Brand fans for the inconvenience and for this unexpected and disappointing last minute change. This only affects tonight’s show. The remainder of the SA Tour will go ahead as scheduled.”
The sold out Messiah Complex SA Tour is scheduled for three shows at the Teatro at Montecasino on 16, 17 and 18 November and two shows at Artscape, Cape Town on Tuesday, 19 November 2013 and Wednesday, 20 November 2013.
