The South African advocacy group “Women For Change” has filed a petition against US pop singer Chris Brown’s planned concert in Johannesburg. The organization is urging the Department of Home Affairs to withdraw the musician’s visa due to concerns about his prior involvement in gender-based violence.
This criticism comes as one of the stations prepares to screen the documentary “Chris Brown: A History of Violence” on October 27, which will reflect on the musician’s violent past with former lovers Rihanna and Karrueche, as well as introduce a new alleged victim.
Chris Brown confirmed on Instagram that he will play in Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on December 14. His show is described as Breezy in South Africa, and tickets range from R515 to R5,744.
Regardless of the singers’ past, the Chris Brown show is likely to sell out.
The documentary
The documentary, created by Investigation Discovery, examines the 2009 assault on Rihanna, which led to Brown’s conviction, as well as persistent charges of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The film is part of ID’s “No Excuse For Abuse” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and advocate for survivor justice.
Sabrina Walter, founder of Women For Change, expressed her worries and requested the organisers, Big Concerts, to reconsider their choice.
“As an organisation advocating against GBVF (gender-based violence and femicide) in South Africa every single day, we are deeply concerned about the upcoming Chris Brown concert scheduled just days after South Africa commemorates the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” said Walter.
“We are calling for Chris Brown’s performance to be reconsidered and hope concert organisers will cancel the event. We must not tolerate or celebrate individuals with a documented history of violence against women, especially in a country battling one of the highest rates of gender-based violence and femicide in the world,” said Walter.
The timing of the concert, which comes just days after the nation’s annual commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, is particularly troubling for the group.
“Hosting Chris Brown sends a harmful message to survivors of abuse and undermines the progress we are trying to make in addressing GBVF in South Africa”.
In addition to the cancellation of the concert, “Women For Change” is urging the Department of Home Affairs to review and revoke Brown’s visa.
“We need greater accountability in South Africa regarding the entertainment we promote and the policies we enforce to protect women and uphold the values of safety. Otherwise, we will never end the high levels of rape culture and GBVF”.
Walter concluded her appeal by highlighting the importance of community action in the fight against GBVF.
“We urge the public to support this cause by signing our petition on to stop Chris Brown’s performance. We always believe in the power of community and that together, we can make a difference.”
