A US-based anti-Islam influencer who had been authorized to attend a far-right rally in London has been blocked from entering the UK by the Home Secretary. Valentina Gomez, a self-styled MAGA influencer, was given permission last week to enter via a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
She was due to speak at the Unite the Kingdom rally on May 16, organized by Tommy Robinson (whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon). The Guardian understands that Shabana Mahmood has intervened to withdraw the authorization on the grounds that Gomez’s presence “would not be conducive to the public good.”
The Government’s Rationale – ‘Not Conducive to the Public Good’
The government gave the same reason when refusing permission for the rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye) to travel to the UK earlier this month. His ETA was withdrawn after concerns over a string of antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi comments. (West subsequently apologized for his comments and blamed them on his bipolar disorder.)
A source close to the Home Secretary said: “While we recognize the democratic right that people must be free to peacefully express their views, this does not include promoting hatred and extremist views.”
Mahmood has the power to cancel a person’s permission to enter or stay in the UK. The decision to block Gomez came after mounting pressure from various quarters.
Gomez’s Previous Remarks – What She Said at the September Rally
Gomez, 26, attended the first Unite the Kingdom rally in September alongside Yaxley-Lennon and warned from the stage that “rapist Muslims” were “taking over” the UK.
Her September 2025 Remarks
“England, they took your guns, they took your swords, and they raped your women. You have nothing else to lose, but there is still hope. You are still the majority. So you either fight for this nation or you let all of these rapist Muslims and corrupt politicians take over.”
She also addressed police officers directly:
“I need you to stop following orders because you know you are being told to look the other way while your country is being raped into submission.”
Rally Attendance
An estimated more than 100,000 people attended the September event, thought to be the largest far-right rally of its type in British history. In addition to a range of extremist speakers who appeared on stage, the event was addressed remotely by Elon Musk , whom Downing Street condemned for using “dangerous and inflammatory” language.
Gomez’s Background – From Congressional Candidate to Anti-Islam Activist
Gomez, a Christian who was born in Colombia , gained notoriety through a series of anti-Islam stunts.
| Activity | Detail |
|---|---|
| Qur’an burning | Burned a copy of the Qur’an in August 2025 |
| Congressional run | Unsuccessfully stood for Republican nomination |
| Campaign promise | Vowed to “end Islam in Texas” |
| Message to Muslims | “Muslims can fuck off to any of the 57 Muslim nations” |
In a video posted to social media while campaigning for Congress, she said her goal was to “end Islam in Texas.” She asked Muslims to leave the state.
Pressure to Ban Gomez – Who Spoke Out
Mahmood had faced pressure to ban Gomez from entering the UK from several quarters.
Shaista Gohir (Crossbench Peer)
Wrote on X two days before the ban:
“The @ukhomeoffice should show consistent standards and deny UK entry to Valentina Gomez.”
Muslim Council of Britain
After Gomez posted about her ETA approval, the Muslim Council of Britain wrote:
“The decision highlights a clear double standard in how freedom of speech is applied and can potentially lead to less safety and security on the streets of Britain. Others have been denied entry to the UK for rhetoric directed at different faith groups. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about whose speech is deemed unacceptable and who is permitted.”
The Council’s statement highlighted the perceived inconsistency: other individuals have been denied entry for anti-Semitic or anti-Hindu rhetoric, yet Gomez initially received authorization.
The Sharon Osbourne Controversy
The far-right rally has also drawn attention due to the involvement of Sharon Osbourne , the TV celebrity and wife of Ozzy Osbourne.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Comment | On an Instagram post about the planned march, Osbourne’s official account left a comment saying: “See you at the march.” |
| Backlash | The homeless charity Centrepoint has said it will cut its ties with Osbourne as a result. |
Osbourne has not publicly clarified whether she was speaking for herself or if the comment was posted by a staff member. However, the charity’s response indicates that even an association with the rally carries reputational consequences.
The May 16 Rally – What to Expect
The Unite the Kingdom rally is scheduled for May 16, 2026 , in London. Organizer Tommy Robinson has a long history of far-right activism and has been jailed multiple times for contempt of court and other offenses.
| Rally Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | May 16, 2026 |
| Location | London |
| Organizer | Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) |
| Expected attendance | Potentially large (September rally drew 100,000+) |
| Speakers | Originally included Gomez; now uncertain |
With Gomez blocked from entering the UK, organizers may scramble to find replacement speakers or proceed without her.
Legal Framework – Home Secretary’s Powers
The Home Secretary has broad powers to exclude individuals from the UK under immigration rules.
Grounds for Exclusion
| Ground | Application to Gomez |
|---|---|
| Not conducive to public good | Explicitly cited |
| Promoting hatred | Based on her anti-Islam rhetoric |
| Extremist views | Based on her September rally speech |
| Public safety concerns | Risk of violence or unrest |
The same power was used to block Kanye West (Ye) earlier in April 2026. The consistency of application – both cases involved figures known for inflammatory speech – may provide legal cover for Mahmood’s decision.
Reactions – Support and Criticism
Support for the Ban
- Anti-racism groups : Welcomed the decision as a necessary step to prevent hate speech
- Muslim organizations : Praised the Home Secretary for listening to concerns
- Labour MPs : Supported Mahmood’s intervention
Criticism of the Ban
- Free speech advocates : Argue that banning speakers sets a dangerous precedent
- Robinson supporters : Claim the ban is political censorship
- Some conservative commentators : Question why Gomez was banned while others with extreme views are allowed
A Controversial Figure Kept Out
Valentina Gomez will not be speaking at the Unite the Kingdom rally on May 16. The Home Secretary’s intervention – withdrawing her Electronic Travel Authorization on the grounds that her presence would not be conducive to the public good – marks a significant use of executive power.
Gomez’s previous remarks at the September rally – describing Muslims as “rapist Muslims” and telling police they were “being told to look the other way while your country is being raped” – clearly crossed a line in the government’s view.
The decision has been praised by Muslim organizations and anti-racism groups but criticized by free speech advocates. It also raises questions about consistency: why was Gomez initially granted an ETA, only to have it withdrawn days later?
For now, the May 16 rally will proceed without one of its most controversial speakers. Whether the government’s intervention will deter others with extremist views from seeking entry to the UK remains to be seen.
As the Muslim Council of Britain noted: “This inconsistency raises serious concerns about whose speech is deemed unacceptable and who is permitted.” The Home Office will likely face continued scrutiny over how it applies its exclusion powers.
