Dubai Won't Let In World's Most Pierced Man

The German IT worker who lays claim to the world's most piercings with 453—most of which are on his face and genitals—is also claiming he couldn't get through customs on his way to a night club in Dubai due to officials worrying he might be practicing black magic. Rolf Buchholz, 55, who also sports a set of horn implants on his head and is heavily tattooed, had set off for the United Arab Emirates' largest city last week to perform in a circus-like venue set to include burlesque dancing, sword swallowing, stilt walking, and so forth, reports the AP.

Buchholz says he managed to get his passport stamped and approved, but was ultimately denied entry. While he claims black magic was the concern, authorities have not said as much directly, citing only "security reasons." Buchholz says that while he was told to never return, he'd gladly go back if the country lets him, reports Time. The AP notes that while Dubai is the Gulf's most liberal city, it still holds conservative Islamic values and people can still be fined or even jailed for actions including public intoxication or public displays of affection. (Recently banned in New York? Piercing and tattooing pets.)