Barack Obama’s Australian entourage has been heavily criticised for cancelling the Welcome to Country during the president’s Melbourne visit.

Auntie Joy Murphy is well-known for delivering the traditional address before many important events, but was removed from the itinerary due to being “difficult”.

Entertainment guru Peter Ford told Millsy and Karl on 6PR Breakfast the Wurundjeri elder had wanted to present Mr Obama with a gift, which was shot down.

Press PLAY to hear all the entertainment news

Peter Ford also discussed the shock death of a major UK showbiz star.

Image: Getty/Win McNamee