British social media personality ‘Big John’ Fisher has been detained in Australia and is set to be deported due to visa issues, forcing the cancellation of his highly anticipated tour events. The 52-year-old influencer, famous for his enthusiastic food reviews and catchphrase “bosh,” arrived in Western Australia on Tuesday only to be intercepted by border officials who raised concerns about his planned work activities.
Upon landing, Fisher was subjected to a four-hour interrogation by Australian Border Force agents before being transferred to a detention hotel in Perth. In a series of social media updates, he revealed that his visa was technically valid but authorities took issue with the fact that he intended to work during his stay. “Will explain more when I get home but absolutely gutted,” Fisher wrote, apologizing to his fans in Perth and Sydney for the cancelled appearances. The crux of the problem lies in Fisher’s visa type; he entered Australia on a tourist visa which explicitly prohibits any form of employment or profit-making activities.
An immigration official presented him with multiple pages detailing his scheduled events, including a “Bucking Bull” challenge at Wentworth Park in Sydney and a DJ set at Perth Ascot Racecourse. Fisher expressed frustration, telling UK publication Metro that “no one told me” about the restrictions, and the experience left a “bad taste in my mouth.” He emphasized that he had never hidden his plans, as his activities were publicly advertised, but was unaware of the visa limitations.
Fisher’s detention coincided with his 52nd birthday, which he spent confined to his hotel room awaiting deportation. He complained about his treatment, stating he had been “treated like a criminal” and had not yet recovered his wallet and personal possessions. Despite these circumstances, he maintained his characteristic optimism, posting: “I’m still smiling and I still love Australia, but can’t wait to see my family. Bosh.” This resilience resonated with his followers, who flooded social media with messages of support.
The social media star’s son, British heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, confirmed the deportation on Instagram with a humorous twist, suggesting Australian authorities might be “frightened of his express pace bowling ahead of the Ashes.” This light-hearted comment contrasted with the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the family’s attempt to cope with the unexpected turn of events. Fisher’s online presence, built on positivity and humor, made the detention all the more shocking for his global audience.
Fisher has built a substantial online following, with nearly 700,000 Instagram followers and over 500,000 on TikTok, primarily through his viral food content. His previous visits to Australia for fan meet-ups in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide had proceeded without incident, making this detention particularly surprising. Earlier this year, he gained additional attention for supporting a vandalized Chinese takeaway in York, demonstrating his influence beyond mere entertainment and solidifying his reputation as a relatable figure.
The Australian Border Force has maintained its standard policy of not commenting on individual cases, citing privacy reasons. This incident underscores the importance of ensuring that visas align with the intended activities of visitors, especially for public figures whose work often blurs the line between personal and professional travel. Fisher’s case may prompt other influencers to scrutinize their travel documents more carefully before international tours, as border agencies worldwide tighten enforcement.
Despite the deportation, Fisher has expressed his intention to return to Australia in the future, indicating that this setback has not diminished his affection for the country. His experience serves as a reminder of the complexities facing digital creators in a globalized world, where border regulations must adapt to new forms of celebrity and employment. As he prepares to fly back to the UK, fans await his full account of the ordeal, hoping for a eventual reunion Down Under.