South Africa/ Calls for boycott of Chris Brown concert amid South Africa’s gender violence crisis
Chris Brown’s upcoming concert in South Africa has sparked outrage from activists who say his performance sends the wrong message, given his history of domestic abuse.
Women for Change, a leading advocacy group, is calling for a boycott, urging the public and authorities to reconsider the decision to allow the Grammy-winner to perform.
Sabina Walter, executive director of Women for Change, expressed deep disappointment over the concert. “In a country with one of the highest rates of femicide and gender-based violence, allowing someone with a history of violence against women to perform sends a damaging message,” she said.
The group has launched a petition to cancel Brown’s concert, amassing over 20,000 signatures.
Chris Brown, notorious for his 2009 assault on singer Rihanna, has faced backlash in multiple countries due to his violent past. Despite being banned from entering places like the UK and Australia, his South African fans remain undeterred, quickly selling out tickets for his December show at the FNB Stadium.
However, campaigners argue that hosting the star undermines efforts to combat the country’s gender violence crisis. “When someone like Chris Brown is given a platform here, it shows that fame outweighs accountability,” said Walter.
Although many fans defend their decision to attend the concert, activists warn that supporting Brown perpetuates a culture of excusing abusive behavior.
As South Africa grapples with its rape and femicide crisis, the calls for a boycott signal a broader demand for societal change.
Source: bbc.com
