As we reported this morning, the fate of Chris Brown’s planned December Australian tour is in jeopardy after it was confirmed by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton that the singer had been issued with a Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal of his visa.
The notice is not an outright ban, but gives the subject 28 days to present “material as to why they should be given a visa to enter Australia”. As Fairfax noted, Brown can either challenge the notice or withdraw his application to visit Australia.
However, despite the mirky status of Brown’s visa, tickets for his One Hell Of A Nite Australian tour, which is still set to kick off in December, went on sale at midday today and the tour dates are still listed on the promoters’ website.
Brown has since taken to Instagram to share a statement from his Australian promoters, which reads, “Contrary to media reports, Chris Brown’s request to enter Australia on tour has not been denied. This request is currently being considered by the office of the Immigration Minister.”
“We respect their right to review this request and have faith that a decision will be made with the full consideration of his continued personal growth, on-going philanthropic endeavors and desire to perform for his fans.”
“Since 2009, Chris Brown has visited Australia on two separate occasions and is looking forward to returning in December.” Indeed, a spokeswoman for promoters Westgate told the Herald Sun Brown’s previous tours in 2011 and 2012 were without incident.
In 2009, Brown was convicted of assault and threatening to kill his then-girlfriend Rihanna. The brutal bashing saw Brown sentenced to five years probation, one year of domestic violence counselling, and six months of community service.
The singer was subsequently denied entry into the UK during a 2010 tour and was forced to cancel a planned Canadian tour in February this year after his visa application was rejected. Brown’s assault case was closed back in March after a judge found that he’d satisfied the terms of his probation.
The controversy over his December tour has even prompted the singer to speak out himself. Brown took to the comments section of a fan’s Instagram post to share his thoughts, writing, “Don’t listen the bullshit. I’m coming. It’s media and all bullshit. We gone party.”
[include_post id=”460039″]
Considering Brown’s case comes as the federal government embarks on a new initiative to address Australia’s problem with violence against women and even caught the attention of Minister for Women Michaelia Cash, it’s not clear just what Brown is implying.
Indeed, even Brown’s tour promoters, Castor & Ford, appear to be taking the government’s threat very seriously and have issued a statement assuring fans of the R&B star that tickets will be refunded if the tour dates are cancelled.
Brown’s comments are already being criticised by many on social media, with many citing the singer’s lack of contrition and brash manner as even more reason to deny him entry into Australia.
