US 'pick-up artist' not welcome in Singapore

Self-proclaimed "pick-up artist" Julien Blanc will not be allowed into Singapore to hold his seminars.

Mr Blanc, a dating coach based in the United States, came under fire when material from his courses was revealed recently. His tactics appear to suggest physical violence, intimidation and emotional abuse against women to persuade them to have sex.

Following online petitions started against him in countries such as Britain and South Korea, Singaporean Charis Mah started one here addressed to Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean on Nov 14.

She updated the petition site yesterday, quoting an e-mail message from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It said: "The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, in consultation with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, will not allow Mr Blanc into Singapore, especially if he is here to hold seminars or events that propagate violence against women or to participate in other objectionable activities in Singapore."

The e-mail message further stated that violence against women or anyone is illegal.

While Ms Mah said she knew she was not the only one who felt strongly against Mr Blanc coming here, she was still happy that others supported the petition.

She told The Straits Times: "It was heartening to see them moving so fast to raise awareness and garner more support.

"I am glad that Singapore has taken an official stand against such seminars and messages, and it makes me feel proud to be part of this country."

Ms Mah e-mailed the ministry on Nov 19, when the number of supporters for the petition stood at more than 7,500.

Although she had intended for the petition to end on Nov 20, she has opened it again "for the sake of those who want to continue to show their support".

The petition has garnered close to 8,500 supporters.

Mr Blanc has also been banned from countries such as Australia and Brazil.

jalmsab@sph.com.sg

Get MyPaper for more stories.