American R&B singer Chris Brown has said he will raise awareness of domestic violence if he is granted a visa to tour Australia, after authorities indicated he could be banned from entering the country.
Brown, who was convicted of assaulting his then-partner pop star Rihanna in 2009, may be refused entry despite plans to bring his “One Hell of a Nite” tour to Australia in December.
The government confirmed on Sunday, just a day before the tickets were due to go on sale, that he had been issued with a “notice of intention to consider refusal”.
“People to whom these notices are issued have 28 days to present material as to why they should be given a visa to enter Australia,” Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Sunday.
Now Brown has taken to social media to say he could help shed light on domestic violence if he is allowed entry.
“I would be more than grateful to come to Australia to raise awareness about domestic violence,” he tweeted late Tuesday.”I’m not the pink elephant in the room anymore.”
Brown’s clean image crumbled in June 2009 after he pleaded guilty of assaulting Rihanna while they were driving to a pre-Grammy Awards party.
The Grammy award-winning performer was sentenced to five years probation — now lifted — a year-long domestic violence programme and 180 days of community labour.
“My life mistakes should be a wakeup call for everyone,” he said. “Showing the world that mistakes don’t define you.”
“The youth don’t listen to parents nor do they listen to PSAs (Public Service Announcements). The power that we have as Entertainers can change lives.”
Brown has visited Australia twice since 2009 but newly appointed Minister for Women Michaelia Cash last week suggested he may be banned this time amid heightened awareness about family violence.
Activist group GetUp has also questioned whether Brown’s tour should go ahead, saying it would send the wrong message about violence against women.
Brown is due to perform in the Australian cities of Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane from December 9-16.
