Chris Brown’s upcoming concert in South Africa has sparked controversy and renewed attention to the country’s high levels of violence against women. Campaigners are criticizing the decision to allow Brown to perform, citing his history of abuse as troubling.
Despite concerns, the Grammy-winning artist managed to sell out tickets for the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in less than two hours. Demand was so overwhelming that a second date in December was added to accommodate fans.
However, not everyone is thrilled about Brown’s performance in South Africa. Sabina Walter, the executive director of Women for Change, expressed disappointment and started a petition to stop the US artist from performing.
The petition has garnered over 20,000 signatures, highlighting the public’s concern over celebrating individuals with a history of violence against women in a country with alarming rates of gender-based violence.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, with a reported rape occurring approximately every 12 minutes. The decision to grant a visa to someone with a previous conviction for assault raises questions about accountability and systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence.
Despite facing backlash and being banned from entering other countries in the past, Brown’s South African fans remain enthusiastic about his concert. However, critics like Ms. Walter believe that supporting an abuser sends the wrong message and perpetuates a culture of violence against women.
