What Happened
Charley Crockett has officially canceled his Canadian tour, which was set to take place over the next two weeks. The country singer announced the cancellation via Instagram after being denied entry into Canada on two occasions this past weekend. The denial was due to a felony conviction for marijuana possession dating back to 2014.
Crockett attempted to enter Canada first through Vancouver, where he was detained, and then through Kelowna, where he faced a second rejection. In his statement, he expressed regret, stating, “Everybody’s got a past. Mine’s still haunting me.” He was advised that attempting to enter Canada again could jeopardize his freedom.
Why It Matters
The cancellation affects nine scheduled performances across Canada, including cities such as Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Toronto. This incident highlights the strict immigration policies in Canada regarding criminal records, particularly for drug-related offenses. A report to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada noted that if Crockett had been detained in Canada for the same charges he faced in Virginia, the offense could have resulted in a life sentence.
Fans who purchased tickets for the tour will receive refunds at their point of purchase. Crockett expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the impact of the cancellation on his fans and stating his hope to return to Canada in the future.
What’s Next
Crockett will resume his touring schedule in the United States starting March 7. While there is currently no information on rescheduling the Canadian dates, he remains optimistic about returning to perform for his Canadian fans. In his message, he emphasized his appreciation for the support he has received from fans in Canada, stating, “I know I let y’all down. Canada’s such a beautiful country full of some of the best fans in the world.”