A US far-right influencer criticized for anti-Islamic content has sparked a controversy ahead of a planned London rally after being granted permission to travel to the UK and over past videos showing her burning a Quran.Valentina Gomez, an American MAGA influencer who has previously caused controversy for her anti-Muslim comments, has received a British Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). She will appear as a speaker at the United Kingdom rally at Tommy Robinson in central London on 16 May.Gomez’s post on Try arresting me and see what happens. England belongs to the British. Not the Mohammed family. “Users on social media pointed out that an ETA is not a visa. It is a digital travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers that allows short-term visits for tourism, study or family purposes. It is valid for two years, costs £20 and allows multiple entries. However, approval does not guarantee entry and travelers may still be denied entry upon arrival.Gomez is expected to address supporters at a rally organized by another far-right activist, Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The event is planned to take place at central London locations including Kingsway, Strand, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Square.Her planned appearance has already drawn criticism from campaigners and commentators, some of whom questioned why she was allowed to travel to the UK. “They need to maintain the same energy for this deranged bigot as they did for Kanye West,” anti-racism activist Muktar Yassin said onIndian-origin broadcaster Narinder Kaur also commented: “You (Gomez) will be banned. We will not let wipes into the country.”Others, including journalist Ika Ferrer Gortic and analyst Albi Amancona, believe that if other high-profile figures face entry restrictions, Gomez should be treated the same way.The controversy comes amid tensions over a “Unite the Kingdom” rally and a planned pro-Palestinian march on the same day as Gomez’s visit to London. Security concerns have also been raised due to previous clashes at similar rallies. Police reported violent incidents including throwing objects and attacks on police officers at large rallies involving Robinson supporters.
