Eminem gets caution and an Australian visa

Eminem has sold millions of albums, rare in the genre dominated by black artists

By staff and wire reports

SYDNEY, Australia -- Controversial rapper Eminem has been granted a visa to Australia, finally confirming that his two-day tour this month will go ahead.

A statement from Eminem's tour promoter said the rapper and accompanying band D12 have been allowed to perform next week in Melbourne and Sydney.

The tour was in doubt after lobby group the Australian Family Association called for his visa application to be denied because of the explicit nature of the rapper's lyrics and an on-stage chainsaw wielding act.

Tickets went on sale on June 30, before the performer had applied for the visa.

Eminem -- whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III -- promised to be on his best behavior after a warning from Australian Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock.

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Ruddock told the rapper that visa for Australia carried the responsibility of "respect for our multicultural society and values", a statement said.

The statement also said that Eminem was warned to "avoid vilifying or inciting discord in segments of the Australian community to the point where a potentially dangerous disturbance resulted.

"Breach of these requirements could lead to visa cancellation," the statement said.

Controversy

The Grammy award-winning America stirred controversy worldwide with his lyrics, labeled violent, homophobic and misogynistic by his critics but praised by his fans.

The performer has sold millions of albums, rare in the genre dominated by black artists. He is also on probation for gun-related charges from two incidents this year.

Australian Family Association national secretary Bill Meuhlenberg said he was disappointed and the group would appeal directly to young music fans to steer clear of the artist.

"Given the nature of the content and lyrics we are trying to keep the young people out of these concerts," Meuhlenberg told Reuters. "I know they will get access via radio and CDs but this has become more of a symbolic gesture."

Authorities in the state of New South Wales were considering keeping under 18s out of a Sydney concert on July 27 and the state of Victoria was mulling that option for a Melbourne concert on July 26, he said.

Reuters contributed to this report.