Roosh V cancels 'pick-up artists' meetings over 'safety concerns'

The founder of a group who has advocated legalising rape on private premises has cancelled plans for meetings following a widespread outcry.

Roosh V, whose real name is Daryush Valizadeh, 36, is the founder of Return Of Kings, a group for aspiring self-described "neo-masculinists".

The 36-year-old American has published 15 books on how to "pick up women" and posts tips on his website on how to "bang" women.

Mr Valizadeh made the announcement on his website: "I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meet-ups can not be made private in time. While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meet-ups. The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supporters who are let down by my decision."

Meetings had been planned for Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Shrewsbury and London. There were also plans for meetings in Australia, Canada and the USA.

Mr Valizadeh has written blog posts asserting that rape should be legal if done on private property apparently on the premise that. “Less women will be raped because they won’t voluntarily drug themselves with booze and follow a strange man into a bedroom” However, he has since claimed that it was satire.

“People who advocate violence against women aren’t welcome in Australia,” the minister said in a statement to Buzzfeed News. “In the past people advocating violence against women have had their visa refused or cancelled.”

Counter protests had been planned in response in many locations. A petition to stop Mr Valizadeh entering Australia received over 100,000 signatures and the Immigration Minister, Peter Dutton, indicated that entry could be blocked for Mr Valizadeh.

Other content on the Return of Kings website includes posts such as '5 Reasons To Date A Girl With An Eating Disorder.'