Snoop Dogg's attorney has admitted that the rapper is "disappointed" after learning that he has been denied entry to Australia.

Snoop, real name Calvin Broadus, had hoped to co-host the MTV Australia Video Music Awards in Sydney tomorrow but has been banned by immigration officials because of his alleged involvement with a Los Angeles gang.

"We are very disappointed and hope that the minister will reconsider his decision," Snoop's attorney Donald Etra explained. "Snoop loves Australia and Australia loves Snoop. He truly hopes to have the opportunity to perform for his fans."

MTV managing director Dave Sibly added: "We're putting a lot of energy into making a case for how popular Snoop is and the fact he's been here before without incident. We're hopeful that when people tune into MTV at seven o'clock on Sunday, they'll see Snoop Dogg on the red carpet."

Snoop was forced to cancel tour dates in the UK last month after being denied a visa.