SNOOP DOGG - AUSTRALIAN OFFICIALS RE-THINK SNOOP DOGG VISA

AUSTRALIAN OFFICIALS RE-THINK SNOOP DOGG VISA

LATEST: Rapper SNOOP DOGG's Australian tour has been thrown back into jeopardy - officials down under are re-considering their earlier decision to lift a ban on him visiting the country.
The rapper - real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. - was left free to complete a planned tour with fellow hip-hop star Ice Cube in October (08) after Australia's new government lifted his ban on Tuesday (26Aug08).
The Drop It Like It's Hot hitmaker was barred from obtaining a visa because of his criminal record, which include drugs and firearms offences dating back to 1990.
But public complaints received from Australian victims of crime groups have prompted immigration officials to question the clearance - initially granted for 17 days from 21 October (08).
A senior immigration official says: "As a result of public concern and interest, the department has decided that in fact we will be undertaking a more thorough assessment of Mr. Broadus' character.
"We've advised his tour promoter and he and Mr. Broadus will have an opportunity to respond. We clearly will look at his criminal history."