Once upon a time, two of your doting Flavorpill staffers were banned from a “ruin pub” in Hungary. The whole debacle was a bit of a silly misunderstanding, but hey — at least we weren’t banned from the entire country, eh? The same can’t be said for the following celebrities, who have somehow landed themselves on a handful of nations’ naughty lists. We’ve got everyone from drug addicts to human rights activists to drug rights activists. Check ’em out after the jump, and hit the comments to tell us your thoughts and dreams.
Remember when Brad Pitt starred in Seven Years in Tibet? As a result, the actor (along with director Jean-Jacques Annaud and co-star David Thewlis/Remus Lupin) was banned from China in 1997. Early yesterday morning, however, Brad Pitt joined the popular Chinese microblogging site Weibo and posted “It is the truth. Yup, I’m coming…” Crazy timing, eh? Way to ruin our listicle, you good for nothing beautiful man.
If you were wondering who else has been banned from China for supporting Tibet, here’s a quick list: Harrison Ford, Richard Gere, Björk, Oasis, and Martin Scorsese (for directing Kundun). Woof.
What do The Beatles and Alec Baldwin have in common? If you guessed “a rocky relationship with the Philippines,” you win! In 1966, The Beatles were invited to breakfast by the nation’s first lady. The band wasn’t accustomed to such official gatherings, declined the invitation, and was consequently roughed up as they left the country (and never invited back). 43 years later while discussing marriage with Letterman on The Late Show, Alec Baldwin joked, “I’m thinking about getting a Filipino mail-order bride at this point… or a Russian one.” And those, dear reader, are two odd ways to get yourself banned from the Philippines.
Why would Japan ban Paris Hilton and deny permission for The Rolling Stones to play in the country? Drugs, of course! So many drugs.
Last May, Gaga was rejected access to Indonesia because she’s “too risqué.” This just in: Indonesia and our grandparents have something in common.
Here’s a funny one (in a terrible kind of way). Miley Cyrus appeared in this inappropriate photo and was subsequently banned from China. Don’t forget — “just being Miley” has some serious consequences, y’all.
If you were hoping to rock out to this timeless jam played live on American soil, we hate to break it to you, but Boy George was banned from the United States after a scuffle with the law and an illegal male escort in 2008. Classic Boy George. Other notable celebrities who have had bans from the US (that have since been lifted): Yusuf Islam, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse.
The UK took a stand against violence by banning Chris Brown after his assault on Rihanna. You go UK-K. (Get it? Glenn Coco? Too much?)
Also — Martha Stewart isn’t allowed into the UK? How else will they learn how to craft handmade heart-shaped cupcake doilies? (She was banned for “obstructing justice,” if you couldn’t guess.)
Last but not least, Snoop Dogg and/or Lion is currently banned from Norway, and was at one point banned from Australia, the UK, and a festival in the Netherlands. Keep it up, Snoop. Let’s break some records.