Eminem performing at Rod Laver Arena in 2001.Credit:The Age
Despite selling millions of albums,Grammy award-winning rapper Eminem had stirred controversy worldwide with his lyrics,which were labelled violent,homophobic and misogynistic by his critics but praised by his fans. At the time he was also on probation for gun-related charges from two incidents in early 2001.
The rapper,who had enjoyed worldwide success with hit singleThe Real Slim Shady the previous year,only applied for a visa after selling out two concerts in Sydney and Melbourne.
It led conservative lobby group the Australian Family Association to call for his application to be denied because of the explicit nature of his lyrics and an on-stage chainsaw wielding act.
Records of the meeting on July 6,2001 show Mr Ruddock gave an oral briefing to cabinet on a visa application for Mr Marshall Bruce Mathers III - stage name Eminem - and would “take into account” the views of his colleagues.
John Howard had voiced his concerns about Eminem’s songs,saying they were “sickening and offensive” and he publicly regretted the visa decision was not his to make.
Mathers was eventually granted entry,but Mr Ruddock warned the rapper that a visa for Australia carried the responsibility of “respect for our multicultural society and values”.