Ja Rule Faces UK Entry Denial, Throws Cardiff Concert Plans
Rapper Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr, has revealed that he was denied entry into the UK just days before his scheduled tour began in Cardiff. The 47-year-old artist, known for hits like “Always On Time” and “Thug Lovin’,” cited his criminal record as the reason for the refusal.
Ja Rule was slated to kick off the British leg of his Sunrise tour at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena, followed by performances in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, and Liverpool. He expressed his disappointment on social media and stated, “I’m so devastated – I can’t believe the UK won’t let me in.” The rapper, who spent a couple of years in prison on gun possession and tax evasion charges and was released in May 2013, noted that the denial was especially disheartening considering the substantial personal investment he made in organizing the tour.
According to Ja Rule, the UK is one of the few European countries restricting entry based on criminal records. He highlighted that individuals with convictions punishable by 23 months or more under British law or those who have served more than 12 months in prison are likely to be denied entry.
Expressing frustration over the situation, he emphasized the impact on himself and his fans, noting that the venues were primarily sold out, and he now faced the unfortunate reality of being unable to perform. Tickets for the shows are still available on Ticketmaster. In response to refund concerns, the customer service team assured fans that once confirmed information is received, an email will be sent to all customers for the affected events.
Ja Rule’s predicament highlights the challenges artists with criminal records face when navigating international travel restrictions. The incident sparked conversations about how various countries handle entry for individuals with past legal troubles and the impact on their professional commitments.
Comment Template