CONTROVERSIAL US “pick-up-artist” Julien Blanc who has been criticised for promoting sexual abuse towards women was barred from entering Britain yesterday.

A petition urging the government to deny him entry attracted 150,000 signatures.

Mr Blanc styles himself as a “dating guru” but video footage intended to provide advice to men shows him forcing girls’ heads towards his crotch.

Images of him choking girls have also been widely shared on social media sites.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the decision, saying: “The government must send a strong message that our country will not tolerate those who incite violence against women and girls.”