Due to Charlie Kirk's assassination remarks, the US cancels Nota Baloyi's visa

TAKING ACTION

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Nhlamulo "Nota" Baloyi, a controversial music executive, reportedly had his US visa revoked after making public comments regarding the murder of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

The United States government confirmed revoking the visa statuses of several foreign nationals who expressed support for or celebrated Kirk’s assassination online, calling such actions “a direct endorsement of violence and extremism.”

In a statement, the US Department of State said it had identified and quoted several individuals who “celebrated the heinous assassination of Kirk.” 

The department added that it would continue to monitor and take action against anyone found to be glorifying or endorsing his death.

“The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans.

“The State Department continues to identify visa holders who celebrated the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk. Here are just a few examples of aliens who are no longer welcome in the U.S.”

Back in September, Baloyi wrote: "Neanderthals can't have their cake and eat it… This weekend, they went openly anti-black racist, and now they're hurt that the racist rally ended in attempted martyrdom. Charlie Kirk won't be remembered as a hero. He was used to astroturf (artificially created public support for something, generated by an orchestrated marketing or public relations campaign,) a movement of white nationalist trailer trash!"

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in September during an outdoor political event hosted by his organisation, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University.

However, Baloyi released a statement accompanied by a public apology for his earlier comments on October 14.

“I would like to make it (known) that I unconditionally apologize to all those that felt my post was insensitive and ill-timed in any context. I have noted the reactions and response of no more than 10 comments to a post which I feel were prompted by the state department’s announcement that they would be revoking the VISA of people who are reported to have made light of the incident. That allegation I categorically deny as neither intended or implied. The post has been deleted.”

Baloyi said he supports free speech, much like the late Charlie Kirk, and identifies as a Christian with conservative values. Describing himself as a “first-day Trump supporter.”

“I’m an advocate for free speech much like Charlie Kirk was famous for and as a Christian with conservative leanings, I am a supporter of President Trump. A first day Trump-er. If I were a US citizen I would've voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024 and possibly even 2028 if the constitutional amendment necessary for that was passed. That said, I do not always agree with either Charlie Kirk nor Donald Trump, which is why I disagree with this decision.

“I have faith that with due process this can be reviewed and rescinded,” the statement read.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za