South African Women’s Rights Campaigners Urge Government to Bar Chris Brown from Performing in December
A petition launched by the Women For Change advocacy group has called for the South African government and promoters to reconsider allowing controversial U.S. singer Chris Brown to perform in December. The petition, which has garnered over 26,000 signatures, demands that Home Affairs revoke Brown’s visa and prevent him from performing in South Africa.
The activists argue that Brown’s concert is a direct insult to the millions of women and girls affected by violence both in South Africa and around the world, as it is scheduled just days after the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The petition also highlights Brown’s controversial past, including his 2009 conviction for assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna on the way to the Grammy Awards.
Brown’s concerts, which are scheduled to take place on December 14 and 15, 2024, at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, have already sold out, with a second date added due to high demand. However, the Women For Change advocacy group is urging the government and promoters to reconsider allowing the performance, citing Brown’s history of violence and his potential to perpetuate harmful attitudes towards women.
The controversy surrounding Brown’s performance is not limited to South Africa. New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the UK have all denied him entry in the past, citing his history of violence and abuse. The Women For Change advocacy group is calling on the South African government to follow suit and prioritize the safety and well-being of women and girls in the country.
As the world grapples with the ongoing issue of gender-based violence, the petition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and promoting a culture of respect and equality. The outcome of this petition will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for how the South African government and promoters respond to similar controversies in the future.
