ONTD

GLADIATOR star Russell Crowe is taking on the Immigration Department in a bid to see his "friend" Snoop Dogg granted entry to Australia.

In a letter sent earlier this month, Crowe pleaded with authorities to approve Snoop's visa application, which is currently being reconsidered on character grounds.

The rapper, whose real name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus, has several criminal convictions for drug and weapons offences and was banned from Australia last year by then-Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews.

But Crowe, who has been friends with Snoop for three years, said the musician deserved to be allowed to perform here later this year.

"I submit to you that Snoop Dogg poses no threat to Australia or to any individual in this country," Crowe wrote.

"He has toured here three times before without incident and there are no reasons to assume this tour will be anything but the positive experience the last three have been.

"Snoop has built a stellar reputation with promoters and audiences worldwide."

Crowe also cited the rapper's extensive charity work and said Snoop had pledged to make an appearance at a charity event organised by South Sydney Rugby League Club.

"Some of our First Grade players will attend with him and he will deliver a powerful and positive message about rising through adversity, drawing on his own underprivileged background as an example," Crowe wrote.

"As you can imagine, such a visit will have a phenomenal effect."


it ain't no fun if the dingo can't have none


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