RantCrush Top 5: August 14, 2017

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce became world famous after he threatened to have Johnny Depp’s dogs, Pistol and Boo, put down after Depp smuggled them into the country without the proper permits. But over the weekend, it was confirmed that Joyce was a New Zealand citizen. He actually referred himself to the High Court after realizing that he might hold dual citizenship, because his father was born in the nearby nation.

Australia’s deputy PM – well known for his blazing row with Johnny Depp – may be forced to quit for ‘being a Kiwi’ https://t.co/Vp0LIWXvLF pic.twitter.com/CzOFhnQv1n

— ITV News (@itvnews) August 14, 2017

Australian lawmakers are not allowed to hold dual citizenship, so now his fate rests with the High Court. Joyce said he had no idea until the New Zealand High Commission contacted him last week and said that based on information from its department of internal affairs, he could be a citizen. “Needless to say I was shocked. I’ve always been an Australian citizen,” he said. “Neither I, nor my parents, have ever had any reason to believe that I was a citizen of any other country.” Joyce’s political opponents–and those upset over his threats to Depp’s dogs–are amused by his current predicament.

Can’t wait to see Pistol & Boo’s reaction to the Barnaby Joyce dual citizenship news!
“I don’t care who you are…rules apply to everyone”

— lehmo (@lehmo23) August 14, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.