Saturday, March 24, 2007


CNN.com

Britain says no to Snoop Dogg ... again

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LONDON, England (AP) -- British authorities denied rapper Snoop Dogg a visa for a series of planned concerts, publicists for his tour said in a statement Saturday.

Snoop Dogg, co-headlining a European tour with fellow star P Diddy, had been expected to play five dates in Britain.

"Snoop and his team are mystified at the decision and are hoping that the British government will reconsider this decision," spokeswoman Celena Aponte said in a statement.

"He has asked how he can help rectify the situation and would happily talk to and give assurances to the officials."

Whatever the outcome, a planned concert at London's Wembley Arena on Tuesday will go ahead with P Diddy and the rest of the show, she said.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said she couldn't comment on an individual case, but did point out that foreign citizens could be barred from entering the country if there were concerns about their presence.

"The Home Secretary has the power to refuse entry clearance to non-UK citizens if he considers that their presence here would not be conducive to the public good," said the spokeswoman, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with department policy.

In April 2006, the rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, and five other men were arrested on charges of violent disorder and starting a brawl, and spent the night in jail after trouble flared when some in his party were denied entry to British Airways' first class lounge at Heathrow Airport.

Seven officers received minor injuries -- mainly cuts and bruises -- and one suffered a fracture to the hand.

Snoop Dogg was previously barred from entering Britain in May 2006.