Russell Brand’s Messiah Complex show in Johannesburg on Friday night has been cancelled after he was refused entry into South Africa.
The comedian took to Twitter to vent his frustration, saying: “Tonight's J-burg show cancelled. SA authorities REFUSE TO LET ME INTO YOUR COUNTRY. Trying to resolve it.”
A statement from local promoter, Tony Feldman of Showtime Management, read:
"There was a technical problem with his passport and the airline did not allow him to board. The promoter has made emergency arrangements to get him to Johannesburg – but unfortunately he will be a day late. Showtime is working to replace tonights show with a performance next week. This will be advised as soon as possible.
"Patrons for tonights show can either get a full refund from Computicket – or hold on to their tickets until a possible replacement date is announced. If this does not happen – Computicket will fully refund on presentation from next week."
“We apologise to Russell Brand fans for the inconvenience and for this unexpected and disappointing last minute change. This only affects tonight’s show. The remainder of the SA Tour will go ahead as scheduled.”
The sold-out Messiah Complex SA Tour is scheduled for three shows at the Teatro at Montecasino on 16, 17 and 18 November and two shows at Artscape, Cape Town on Tuesday, 19 November 2013 and Wednesday, 20 November 2013.
In the run-up to the tour, Brand had promised he would travel the world “causing bother and excitement and offering opinions that have not been either solicited or thought through."
- Tonight Reporter