Chris Brown’s upcoming concert in South Africa has ignited a heated conversation about the country’s pervasive violence against women, as many campaigners argue that his performance sends a troubling message due to his history of abuse.
Tickets for the concert at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, Africa’s largest stadium, sold out within hours, prompting the addition of a second date in December.
Despite the overwhelming demand, Brown’s past—most notably his 2009 assault on singer Rihanna—has led to significant backlash.
Sabina Walter, executive director of Women for Change, expressed her disappointment upon hearing the news of the concert, stating, “We will not tolerate the celebration of individuals with a history of violence against women.”
The organization has launched a petition to stop Brown’s performance, which has garnered over 20,000 signatures.
South Africa is grappling with one of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) globally, with a rape reported every 12 minutes. Walter emphasized that allowing Brown to perform in a country struggling with such issues sends a damaging message: that fame can overshadow accountability for past actions.
In response to the concert, Walter questioned how the Department of Home Affairs granted a visa to a “convicted abuser.”
READ ALSO: Julia Fox Regrets Dating Kanye West: “I Was Used as a Pawn”
Under South African law, a past conviction can lead to visa denial unless there are exceptions for “good cause,” which are determined by the Director General of the Department.
Former University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng plans to attend the concert, stating, “I am totally against GBV… but let me be clear, I will go to Brown’s concert.”
She argued that enjoying music does not equate to endorsing an artist’s past, adding, “Music is bigger than the individual.”
However, Walter pointed out that the excitement surrounding the concert reveals a dangerous disconnect in societal attitudes toward violence against women.
She has faced threats for her activism, indicating the fierce loyalty of Brown’s supporters. “Selective outrage is dangerous,” she warned, as it perpetuates a culture that excuses abusive behavior.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis and called for men to take action.
READ ALSO: Kanye West Allegedly Told Bianca Censori He Wanted to Have Sex with Her Mother While She Watched
Yet, progress remains slow, with Women for Change having honored over 200 women who lost their lives to femicide this year alone.
Walter concluded, “This fight isn’t just about this concert. It’s about changing the narrative in South Africa, where abusers are held accountable, and violence against women is never excused.”