‘Arrogance’: Outrage over Chris Brown response to petition (PO)

Chris Brown has reacted to a petition started by Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activists Women For Change calling for his December shows in Johannesburg, South Africa, to be cancelled, based on his history of abuse.

The R&B singer will perform at the FNB Stadium on 14 and 15 December. The concert will come just days after the government’s 16 Days of Activism campaign dedicated to ending GBV.

Meanwhile, Investigation Discovery is set to air a documentary about Chris Brown’s “history of abuse” later this month.

CHRIS BROWN REACTS TO PETITION

In recent weeks, Women For Change has called on South Africans to sign their Change.org petition for authorities to cancel the Chris Brown concert.

The petition – which has over 30 000 signatures – is addressed to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber. In the motivation, the activists call for the minister to revoke Brown’s visa.

In an Instagram post last week, social justice activist Darren Campher called out South Africans, particularly men, who support Brown, who has multiple allegations of domestic abuse lodged against him.

This includes a 2009 arrest for the assault of his then-girlfriend as well as a restraining order against him, granted to his ex, Karrueche Tran.

The Grammy-winning singer has also been accused of sexual assault and even drugging women.

Surprisingly, Chris Brown himself jumped into the comments section under the post.

“Can’t wait to come”, he commented.

The defiant message was met with mixed reactions from social media users, many of whom are adamant Chris Brown fans.

Others, like Darren Campher himself – who won the Social Commentary category at the DStv Content Creator Awards last weekend, were appalled.

“The audacity,” he shared in an Instagram Story.

‘ARROGANT TONE….IGNORANCE’

Dubbed the “rape capital of the world” by Human Rights Watch, South Africa has one of the highest statistics of violence against women and children.

Speaking to The South African, Women For Change Founder Sabrina Walters condemned Chris Brown’s comments.

She said: “I wasn’t sure if Chris Brown was aware of the high levels of GBV and femicide in South Africa. However, after after watching the video and still having the audacity to comment, his actions speak volumes.

She continued: “His comment screams, ‘I don’t care.’ It’s a blatant explanation of an ‘It is what it is, get over it attitude.’ It’s arrogant toned and exposes the tone-deaf ignorance he’s chosen to stick to”.

While Walters thanked individuals in the public who had supported their mission, she added that the organisation had received “a flood of hateful messages and violent threats from incels”.

The South African has reached out to event promoters Big Concerts regarding the controversy surrounding Chris Brown’s upcoming shows. Once received, an update will be provided.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has ignored calls and messages for an official response to the GBV petition and public backlash.