US 'pick-up' artist attracts global backlash
A self-styled 'pick-up artist' who was forced to leave Australia amid a storm of protests against his controversial methods of teaching men how to hook women, has reportedly been denied a visa to Brazil.
Brazil is the latest country to join the wave of backlash against Blanc.
In a statement, the foreign minister reportedly said there were "enough elements" about Blanc's background to deny his visa application.
In the UK, tens of thousands of people have signed an online petition urging ministers to ban his lectures ahead of a planned tour later this year.
A similar petition to deny him entry from Canada has gathered more than 50,000 signatures.
Blanc was forced out of Australia, and his visa revoked in the wake of his departure, following protests against his workshops in Brisbane and Melbourne.
The 25-year-old, from US group Real Social Dynamics, teaches seduction techniques, which reportedly include choking and intimidation.
The self-proclaimed dating guru delivered a seminar in Melbourne which sparked widespread outrage on social media and a heated protest outside the venue.
According to RSD's website, Blanc is due to conduct various international seminars, but a global campaign against his teachings is gaining considerable momentum.
