Comedian Dom Joly discovered his outspoken views may have unexpectedly slammed the door on a potential trip to the United States. His application for an Esta – the visa waiver program for British travelers – was recently rejected, and he suspects his candid social media commentary is to blame.
For years, Joly hasn’t shied away from criticizing former President Donald Trump online. His posts ranged from playful jabs, like digitally inserting Trump’s face onto a kebab, to more pointed accusations of racism and harmful behavior. Now, it appears those digital footprints have consequences.
Speaking on Times Radio, Joly revealed the surprising rejection. He believes his “anti-Trumpisms” on social media directly led to the denial, expressing concern that others might face similar hurdles. A growing unease is spreading among acquaintances, not about safety within the US, but about simply gaining entry.
Joly isn’t alone in his experience. He confided that he knows “a lot of people” who have encountered the same issue, prompting some to resort to using temporary “burner” phones while traveling to avoid scrutiny of their digital history.
A review of Joly’s X account reveals a consistent pattern of criticism. He’s labeled Trump an “out-of-touch billionaire celebrity” and mocked his performance in political debates. Even his assessment of President Biden – while critical – was framed in comparison to what he described as Trump’s “dangerous, narcissistic” persona.
His disapproval wasn’t confined to text. Joly publicly ridiculed Trump during his state visit, posting a video of himself watching the reception with scathing commentary. He didn’t hold back, referring to Trump as a “sex abuser” and an “orange st gibbon.”
When Trump criticized London’s crime rates, Joly responded with a satirical video filmed from a taxi, sarcastically portraying the city as a “hellscape.” This history of outspokenness now casts a shadow over his travel plans.
Joly’s situation arrives as the US government considers a proposal requiring travelers from numerous countries, including the UK, to submit five years of social media data as part of their visa application process. This potential policy aims to bolster national security, but raises concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.
The proposed changes to the Esta form, currently a simple process with a $40 fee, represent a significant shift. Officials argue the increased scrutiny is necessary to ensure the safety of American citizens, while dismissing fears of a decline in tourism.
While the proposal isn’t yet finalized, the Customs and Border Protection agency emphasizes it’s merely the beginning of a discussion about potential policy changes. The debate highlights a growing tension between security concerns and the right to express oneself freely in the digital age.
Joly’s experience serves as a stark warning: in an increasingly interconnected world, even seemingly harmless online commentary can have real-world repercussions, potentially impacting international travel and freedom of movement.
