Controversial reggae star Sizzla has called off his planned U.S. tour after he failed to obtain a work visa.

The Jamaican musician was due to kick off a series of American dates on 21 November (13), but the month-long trek has now been postponed after U.S. officials allegedly refused to grant him permission to play in the country.

Stephen Brush of International Artists Agency, who handled bookings for the tour, tells Jamaicaobserver.com, "I am deeply saddened by the news, and I can say this is one of the worst weeks in my career... It is not a dead issue, but I am no longer comfortable waiting and seeing. What I would like to do is postpone the tour and look at re-booking it for February and March."

Sizzla has previously come under fire over allegations his songs contain anti-gay lyrics, and he has been targeted by protesters in countries including Canada, Spain and Germany.