“Chris Brown has a well-documented history of violence towards several women. In 2009, he was convicted of brutally assaulting his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, a case that sparked global outrage.

“Despite his conviction, his troubling behaviour has continued, with multiple accusations of violence against other women, with ‘Quiet on Set’ producers announce the ‘Chris Brown: A History of Violence’ documentary, which will premiere this October,” the advocacy group said.

The statement declared that a nation already battling the relentless scourge of gender-based violence could not afford to embrace a figure as controversial as Chris Brown, who, on February 8, 2009, was reported to have assaulted his then-girlfriend, fellow music icon Rihanna, in a car.

Over the years, he’s faced a string of accusations, from aggressive outbursts and violent altercations with other celebrities to legal troubles and restraining orders filed against him. Despite maintaining a thriving music career, these controversies have cast a long shadow over his public image, with critics calling out the apparent lack of accountability or genuine remorse for his actions.

“South Africa is in the midst of a GBV crisis, where femicide rates are five times higher than the global average. Many women and children live in constant fear, and the scars of violence run deep.

“Allowing a man with such a history of violence to perform in South Africa, a country grappling with one of the highest rates of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the world, sends a harmful and dangerous message. Instead of glorifying individuals with a history of abuse, we must be empowering and supporting survivors,” it said.

Women For Change calls on concert organisers @BigConcerts , promoters, and the South African government @HomeAffairsSA @Leon_Schreib to reconsider the decision to allow Chris Brown to perform in Johannesburg on 14 December 2024.

Sign here: https://t.co/LILv6Y4ZJi

We have… pic.twitter.com/vSEk6GoVoG

— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) October 7, 2024

Despite the controversy, Chris Brown’s fanbase remains loyal, with many believing that he has paid for his mistakes and deserves a second chance.

Former University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng – also known as Prof Phakeng – has defended her decision to attend the Chris Brown concert despite her stance against GBV, The South African reports.

People have been digging up the ex-UCT Vice-Chancellor’s previous comments about GBV on X, with many labelling her a “hypocrite.”

Yes, it’s definitely me. Even today, I am totally against GBV and strongly condemn it in all its forms. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I… https://t.co/t5hAp0imO5

— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024

Phakeng went on to state that “music is bigger than the individual.”

She continued: “Some of us are capable of loving art while still holding artists accountable. Attending the concert does not magically erase our moral stance on GBV. It does not make us hypocrites, nor does it make us blind to the gravity of Chris Brown’s past actions. In this case, I don’t even have the full details of his past actions…I simply love his music!”

Clapping back at the naysayers, she added: “If you think boycotting this one concert is going to end GBV in SA, you are delulu, and unfortunately, I can’t help you.”

Bulelwa Adonis, Women For Change spokesperson speaking on Newzroom Afrika on Sunday, addressed the backlash the group has received, saying that they don’t practice selective activism and have one mandate: to not support violent people.

[source:iol&goodthingsguy]