Chris Brown may be refused entry to Australia due to his 2009 assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna and his subsequent domestic violence conviction.
According to reports on TIME, the Australian authorities say they may decline Chris Brown’s visa application, which is currently pending. Last week, the singer announced plans to tour Australia later this year.
“People need to understand, if you are going to commit domestic violence and you want to travel around the world, there are going to be countries that say to you, ‘You cannot come in,’” Michaelia Cash, the country’s Minister for Women, said at a recent press conference, which was held to discuss a new national domestic violence prevention program.
Following last week’s tour announcement, campaign group GetUp! launched an online petition to prevent Brown from entering the country.
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“We urge you to refuse Chris Brown a visa to visit Australia,” the petition, which is addressed to the Immigration Minister of Australia, reads. “Due to his conviction of felony assault (a criminal charge), we believe he is in breach of the Australian visa character test, for having ‘a substantial criminal record.’ New Zealand have already indicated they are unlikely to allow Chris Brown into the country, following the lead of the UK. We ask that Australia follow suit. Chris Brown is an extremely influential figure, particularly among young people. Allowing his entry into Australia sends the message that the Turnbull government does not place significant weight and condemnation on men’s violence against women.”
As of press time, the online petition titled, “No, Chris Brown. You’re not welcome in Australia,” has garnered over 12,500 signatures.
Chris Brown’s manager Mike G addressed the effort to disrupt Brown’s tour in an email statement issued to TIME.
“The good people of Australia want to see Chris Brown perform,” Mike G writes. “The recent pre-sale for his upcoming tour sold out in two minutes. We are blessed and grateful for this wonderful opportunity to give them the best show possible.”
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