Russell Crowe Writes Appeal On Snoop's Behalf 9/11/08

Latest: Russell Crowe recently pleaded with Australian authorities to grant his "friend" Snoop Dogg entry into the country.

The Gladiator star, who lives in Australia, sent a letter to the Immigration Department earlier this month (Sep08) arguing for the approval of the rapper's visa application.

Snoop Dogg - real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus - was initially denied entry in August 2007 because of his criminal record, which includes drug and firearm offences dating back to 1990.

But Crowe, a friend of Snoop's for the last three years, maintained the hitmaker deserved to be allowed to bring his tour Down Under later this year (08).

He wrote: "I write this letter on behalf of a friend of mine... I submit to you that Snoop Dogg poses no threat to Australia or to any individual in this country.

"He has toured here three times before without incident and there are no reasons to assume this tour will be anything but the positive experience the last three have been.

"Snoop has built a stellar reputation with promoters and audiences worldwide."

Crowe admitted there was a "selfish motivation" to his letter, adding that Broadus had vowed to make an appearance at a charity event organised by the actor's South Sydney Rugby League Club.

He added: "Some of our First Grade players will attend with him and he will deliver a powerful and positive message about rising through adversity, drawing on his own underprivileged background as an example.

"As you can imagine, such a visit will have a phenomenal effect."

According to online reports, Snoop Dogg has since been fully approved and will be allowed into the country when the Australian leg of his tour kicks off in Brisbane on 29 October (08).