The United States Department of State has officially revoked the visa of South African music executive and online personality Nota Baloyi.
The decision followed comments Baloyi made on social media that were seen as mocking or celebrating the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Baloyi referred to Kirk’s death in language that many Americans viewed as offensive and inflammatory.
The US State Department later published a list of visa holders who made similar remarks, stating that “the United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans.”
The department included a blurred screenshot of Baloyi’s post in which he had commented:
“Neanderthals can’t have their cake and eat it… This weekend, they went openly anti-black racist and now they’re hurt that the racist rally ended in attempted martyrdom?”
The message went on to describe Kirk as “used to astroturf a movement of white nationalist trailer trash.”
Baloyi’s post, which has since been deleted, reportedly gathered only a handful of responses before being flagged by the US government. He later confirmed that he received an email informing him of the visa cancellation and that he was surprised by the decision.
Speaking after the news broke, Baloyi described the action as “a violation of free speech” and suggested that he had been targeted because of his outspoken online persona.
He denied celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death, saying the post was “misinterpreted” and “never intended to glorify violence.”
He added:
“It’s completely unreasonable and is a complete violation of the First Amendment… I do think that I was targeted.”
Baloyi, who is currently in South Africa, said the cancellation would not affect his immediate plans, as he had no upcoming travel to the US. He also stated that he could reapply for a visa in the future if necessary.
In a follow-up statement on X, Baloyi apologised and clarified his stance:
“That allegation I categorically deny as neither intended nor implied. The post has been deleted.”
Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of the political group Turning Point USA, was assassinated last month during a public rally in Florida. The incident sparked intense outrage across the US, with politicians, activists, and citizens condemning the act as an attack on free expression and political discourse.
Following Kirk’s death, the US government announced it would review visa statuses of foreign nationals who made online comments appearing to celebrate or justify the killing.
Officials said that such behaviour “undermines public safety and is inconsistent with the privilege of entering or residing in the United States.”
The move has affected several individuals internationally, including journalists, influencers, and political commentators, all accused of making similar posts.
Losing a US visa means that Baloyi cannot legally enter the United States until he successfully reapplies and the decision is reversed. A visa revocation does not amount to a criminal charge, but it effectively bars the holder from travelling to the country for business, tourism, or work.
In Baloyi’s case, this could limit opportunities for international collaboration, travel, and media appearances, especially since he frequently engages in public commentary and interviews with international outlets.
Despite this, Baloyi downplayed the impact, saying he was “relieved” the issue was limited to his visa status and not more serious legal consequences.
“Now that I’ve got the reasons why, I’m relieved that that’s all it was,” he said.
Baloyi has remained defiant online, maintaining that he supports freedom of speech and continues to oppose censorship — even when it comes with personal cost.
He posted on X shortly after the news broke:
“I have a podcast shoot in an hour… Then I’ll spend my evening doing international news media interviews. I’ve been doing interviews since 4AM this morning… Why is my name trending?”