Los Angeles-Based ‘Dating Guru’ Banned from UK

iStock/Thinkstock(LONDON) — A self-styled “dating guru” who has stirred up controversy in a number of countries with what many feel are offensive tactics to approach women has been banned from entering the United Kingdom.

Julien Blanc holds seminars claiming to teach men how to attract women, but his methods have been widely criticized as sexually abusive. Blanc is the Swiss-born American “executive coach for the Los Angeles based ‘Real Social Dynamics,'” according to his Twitter account. He describes himself as “an international leader in dating advice.”

A petition in Britain to deny him a visa attracted more than 150,000 signatures ahead of his U.K. tour, which was scheduled to start in February. Twitter users have used the hashtag #ChokingGirlsAroundTheWorld to share pictures apparently showing Blanc with his hand around the throats of women. In one recorded seminar, Blanc is seen approaching girls and forcing their heads towards his crotch. Another hashtag that has stirred up the Twitterverse is #takedownjulienblanc.

Blanc has apologized, telling CNN earlier this month that his intention was “a horrible attempt at humor” taken out of context.

Blanc has already had to cut short a recent tour of Australia because his visa was cancelled following protests there.

On its website, his company Real Social Dynamics calls itself “the world’s largest dating coaching company,” and promises customers the chance to “witness dating coaches attract beautiful women in live demonstrations.” But critics say videos and pictures of Blanc in action show that he encourages men to harass women with the aim of having sex with them.

Blanc and Real Social Dynamics did not respond to requests for comment by ABC News.