Candace Owens Australia tour controversy deepens as promoter collapses leaving fans unpaid after visa denial and liquidation (Image via Getty)
Candace Owens is once again in the news, but this time it is not for her speeches. The company that promoted her cancelled Australia tour has gone into liquidation, leaving many ticket buyers still waiting for their money. The tour promoter, Rocksman, collapsed months after Owens was denied a visa to enter Australia. The decision came just weeks before her planned national speaking tour in 2024. Tickets for the events started at $95, but refunds have still not been paid to many fans, even more than a year later.Australia’s immigration minister Tony Burke blocked the visa, saying Owens could create social tension in the country. Owens challenged the move, but Australia’s High Court later supported the government’s decision. With the tour officially cancelled and the promoter now insolvent, ticketholders are left with little hope.
Candace Owens visa block leads to Rocksmann collapse and refund crisis
Rocksman confirmed it entered liquidation in December, according to documents filed with Australia’s corporate regulator. The papers show the company owed $68,395.54 to the Australian Taxation Office and had no listed assets, apart from a bank account of unknown value.A spokesperson for Rocksmann explained how the visa block hit the company hard. “The cancellation seriously affected the touring arm of the business,” the spokesperson said. “We had already paid large upfront costs and would only earn money if the events went ahead.”They added, “The cancellation, combined with existing tax obligations, created a real risk that the company could enter an insolvent trading period if it continued operating without restructuring.”The company’s liquidator, David Sampson of BPS Resolved, said it is unlikely that creditors, including ticket holders, will receive any money. The Australian Taxation Office also confirmed it would try to recover unpaid taxes through the liquidation process.“We are taking actions to ensure we collect tax in accordance with the law,” an ATO spokesperson said. “Not paying tax affects everyone.”Consumer agencies in New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand confirmed they received complaints from frustrated ticketholders. NSW Fair Trading advised people to contact the liquidator and register as creditors.Rocksman previously told customers refunds would be paid by the end of November. That did not happen. The company later said refund responsibility had moved to another entity and that the advice was given “in good faith.”Candace Owens’ team denied any role in refunds. When contacted by Guardian Australia, an AI agent responding for Owens said Rocksmann was responsible.Minister Tony Burke stood firm this week.“As soon as the decision was made I said I hoped she had a good refund policy,” Burke said.“Candace Owens has even treated her own supporters with contempt.”Rocksman was founded in 2022 by George Zacharia, with touring support from Damien Costas, a known promoter. Costas was not involved in Candace Owens’ tour. Both declined to comment. Costas has previously organized tours for figures like Nigel Farage and others whose visas were later cancelled.Also Read: Candace Owens Australia tour controversy deepens as promoter collapses leaving fans unpaid after visa denial and liquidation
