Two prominent American left-wing political commentators, Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, have been barred from entering the United Kingdom. The British Home Office deemed their presence “not conducive to the public good,” citing concerns over potential risks including antisemitism.
Uygur, co-creator of The Young Turks, announced the ban on social media, stating he was blocked from flying to London for SXSW and a speaking engagement at Oxford. Piker, known as HasanAbi on Twitch, confirmed his visa was also revoked.
The Home Office said the decision was based on an assessment of risk to UK society. Reports from The Times indicated the move was tied to concerns about fueling antisemitism.
Piker has faced backlash for past comments, including support for Hamas and a 2019 statement that “America deserved 9/11,” for which he later apologized. He described himself as “anti-Israel,” not antisemitic. Uygur called Israel’s actions in Gaza “barbaric.”
The British Jewish charity Community Security Trust welcomed the ban, saying “there must be consequences when public figures cross the line into hate speech.” A UK member of Parliament praised the Home Office for not opening doors to those who spread hate.
Organizers indicated remote appearances were still possible for the event.