The promoters of Chris Brown’s Australian tour have confirmed the controversial R&B singer’s December performances in Australia and New Zealand will no longer take place. The cancellation follows a massive protest campaign against the singer’s visit.
“Chris Brown’s December 2015 tour in both Australia and New Zealand will not take place,” a statement from promoters reads. “The shows scheduled at Perth Arena on 9 December, Rod Laver Arena on 12 December, Allphones Arena on 14 December and Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 16 December are cancelled.”
“Mr Brown and the promoters both remain positive that the tour will take place in the near future. Mr Brown wishes to express his deepest gratitude to the fans for their support and looks forward to a successful tour in the near future.”
Brown’s Australian tour was the subject of a popular petition calling for him to be barred from entering Australia due to his prior domestic violence convictions. Following the campaign, the Australian government officially placed Brown on notice.
Despite the warning, Brown insisted his December tour would go ahead, with tickets remaining on sale. Brown dismissed the controversy on social media and later insisted his visit to Australia could be used to spread awareness about domestic violence.
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.
