US influencer launches racial attack on Shabana Mahmood after being blocked from entering UK

George Bunn
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:24:07 +0000

A self-styled anti-Muslim activist launched a racial attack against Shabana Mahmood after the Home Secretary blocked her from entering the country.

Valentina Gomez was due to speak at the Unite the Kingdom rally led by Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in May.

However, after backlash from MPs and campaign groups, Ms Mahmood intervened and barred her from entry.

Now, Ms Gomez has threatened to defy the Home Secretary and travel by small boat, daring the Government to stop her while suggesting Donald Trump’s White House would intervene if the authorities try to arrest her.

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Ms Gomez initially gained notoriety online for a series of anti-Muslim stunts, including burning a copy of the Koran and vowing to "end Islam in Texas" if she were elected to Congress.

At the previous protest in September, which was attended by between 110,000 and 150,000 people, she told the crowds "rapist Muslims" were "taking over" the UK.

She said: "You are still the majority. So you either fight for this nation or you let all of these rapist Muslims and corrupt politicians take over."

After the news of her ban broke online, Ms Gomez posted a video where she attacked Ms Mahmood and claimed her ban is "because I’m not coming to rape or kill little girls".

GB News understands the Home Secretary intervened because her presence would not be conducive to the public good.

The same justification was used for blocking rapper Kanye West from performing at this year's Wireless Festival.

Crossbench peer Baroness Gohir, who campaigned for the influencer to be banned, said: "I am pleased that the Home Secretary has listened to concerns and acted swiftly. They have rightly recognised the danger (Ms Gomez) posed.

"Had she been allowed into the UK, then it would have sent a message that Muslim safety does not matter."

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Welcoming the decision, the Muslim Council of Britain said: "People who propagate hate speech and division should not be given free entry to the United Kingdom.

"This decision is the right course of action by the UK Government and this should be a precedent for others who chose to promote disinformation and hatred.

"Stoking hatred of all immigrants and Muslims makes us divided and weaker. That is the last thing we need whilst facing challenges to the economy, the NHS and internationally."

Last week, homelessness charity Centrepoint said it had cut ties with Sharon Osbourne after she expressed support for the Unite the Kingdom rally.

Sources close to the Home Secretary told The Guardian: "While we recognise the democratic right that people must be free to peacefully express their views, this does not include promoting hatred and extremist views."

Independent MP for Leicester South Shockat Adam said: "Free speech matters. But it's not a shield for importing divisive rhetoric against Britain’s Muslim communities.

"She has now been blocked, but the delay is a glaring lapse in judgment. Where was the Labour Government’s urgency?"

After Gomez was banned from entering the UK, she said: "I'm coming to England on a boat. They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH."