Keith Girard
Chris Brown has been barred from entering Australia for his 2009 beatdown of Rihanna. But can appeal the decision. (Photo: Getty)
But all is not lost. Brown has 28 days to appeal the decision by Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.
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The R&B singer is set to perform Down Under in December as part of his “One Hell of A Nite Tour.” More significantly, tickets were set to go on sale next week, according to local newspapers.
Even with a quick reprieve, he may have to cancel or postpone the tour, because of logistical problems, especially if the appeal is lengthy. The last time he performed there in 2008, his shows sold out.
Brown is facing similar problems in New Zealand, where he was scheduled to perform Dec. 18, according to local reports. The show promoters there are moving forward with ticket sales and have promised refunds if the concert doesn’t materialize.
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Former New Zealand Justice Minister Judith Collins is among those calling for a ban. “My personal view is we have enough wife beaters in this country and don’t need any more,” she told reporters.
So far the government there has taken no action. But now that Australia has acted, it’s expected to follow suit.
Police released this photo following Rihanna’s assault by Chris Brown in 2009.
Arguably, Brown can make a case to lift the ban. After he pleaded guilty to the assault, He was sentenced to five years’ probation. That included a year of domestic violence counseling, and 180 days of community service.
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He’s completed all of his requirements, although not without some hiccups, and has more or less stayed out of trouble.
Brown requires a special visa in both countries because of the assault. He was barred in Canada and the UK on similar grounds in 2010. He has been allowed to enter Australia twice since the incident.
Down under, activist group GetUp has started an online petition asking Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to ban Brown.
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The action coincides with a new initiative launched last week by Australia’s new minister for women Michaelia Cash. It’s designed to raise awareness about domestic violence. She’s also called for Brown’s ban.
“If you are going to commit domestic violence and then you want to travel around the world there are going to be countries that say to you: ‘You cannot come in because you are not of the character that we expect in Australia,'” she said
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