The British Home Office will reject any visa application made by so-called "pick up" artist Julien Blanc. 

The American's dating seminars, which encourage abusive behaviour towards women, have sparked international criticism.

More than 150,000 people have signed a petition demanding that the UK follow the lead of countries such as Australia, which cancelled the visa for the controversial "dating coach" over claims his tactics promote sexual assault.

The petition says: "To allow this man into the UK legitimises sexual assault and predation, and sends a message that women are playthings or objects without agency."

The 25-year-old instructor, who charges more than £1,000 (€1,249) for sessions, promises to teach men how to manipulate women.

His website, called Pimping My Game, says that he can teach "emotionally scarring" and "evil" techniques to help men persuade women to have sex with them against their better judgement.

One video posted online shows Mr Blanc telling people: "In Tokyo, if you're a white male, you can do what you want".

"I'm just romping through the streets, just grabbing girls' heads," he says.

The video also includes footage of him grabbing a woman's head and yanking it towards his crotch.

Mr Blanc was believed to be planning a series of events in the UK for February.

Debating the issue on Sky News, former Loaded editor Martin Daubney had said banning Mr Blanc would be counterproductive.

He said: "Why not get him into the country and expose him as the moron he is? Don't make a martyr of a moron."

Dating and life coach Michael Valmont had moved to distance the coaching industry from Mr Blanc.

He said: "If you are inspiring a guy to do that, that is not going to bring them any success. It's going to destroy and actually cause more harm to them and obviously it's a terrible set of values to be teaching."