A group affiliated with self-proclaimed pick-up artist Julien Blanc, whom Time magazine once described as possibly the "most hated man in the world", is planning to hold a seminar in New Zealand on how to pick up women.
Real Social Dynamics (RSD) is not planning to bring Mr Blanc but is bringing another RSD 'instructor', Jeff "Jeffy" Allen.
The group's website says it offers to teach men, "how to attract the women you've always wanted any place, anytime, and in any situation". Mr Blanc shot to fame with a controversial Facebook page that encourages vulgar methods to attract women. Critics say his posts encourage sexual violence.
In 2014 Mr Blanc's visa was cancelled and he was deported from Australia after social media erupted with protests and a petition was started to kick him out.
Mr Blanc appeared on CNN in November 2014 to apologise for any offence he had caused with his social media posts. He wrote on the RSD website about the interview: "I went on CNN today with one goal in mind: to clarify that what has been widely reported as abusive behavior in those posts was a poor attempt at humor and NOT something that I actually do or teach. Sexual violence is horrible, disgusting and unacceptable. Those posts were bad jokes that were unfortunately taken out of context and that I shouldn't have posted in the first place."
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Mr Blanc's colleague Mr Allen had booked two seminars in Sydney and Melbourne in January and April but kept the location secret.
RSD recently tweeted to say that all shows in Australia have been cancelled until further notice.
The group reportedly plans to come to New Zealand for a show on April 21.
Women's Refuge New Zealand has responded with a Facebook post:
The group has started a social media campaign against RSD, using the hashtag #NoYouAreBloodyNot.
Singer/songwriter Lizzie Marvelly has tweeted about RSD also.
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