Anti-gender-based violence activists from Women For Change are urging the Department of Home Affairs to reconsider its decision allowing US singer Chris Brown to perform in South Africa, citing concerns over his controversial past, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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On the eve of ticket sales for the Chris Brown concert, Women For Change issued a statement denouncing the convicted abuser.
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The singer is set to perform on on the 14 December 2024 in Johannesburg.
This concert comes just days after the world commemorated the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
‘Chris Brown’s history of violence against women, including his 2009 arrest for assaulting Rihanna, stands in stark contrast to the values of this global Anti-GBV campaign, especially in a country where femicide is five times higher than the worldwide average,’ says the organisation.
‘Hosting Chris Brown sends a harmful message to survivors of abuse and undermines the progress we are trying to make in addressing GBV in South Africa.’
Women For Change highlights Chris Brown’s history of legal issues, including his 2009 guilty plea for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna, which resulted in five years of probation, community service, and domestic violence counselling.
Since then, he has faced additional assault charges and a sexual assault lawsuit, among other legal troubles.
On 27 October 2024, Chris Brown: A History of Violence will launch on Investigation Discovery’s third annual No Excuse for Abuse campaign.
‘We demand to know how Home Affairs could grant a visa to a convicted abuser to perform in South Africa.’
‘This decision is concerning and indicative of a systemic failure to protect the very individuals who need our support the most. We must hold individuals accountable for their actions and work to build a culture that uplifts and supports survivors rather than glorifying those who have caused harm.’
The organisation urges concert organisers and decision-makers to rethink hosting Chris Brown and calls on the public to support their advocacy for a safer, more respectful society for women and girls.
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