OPINION: Can you like Chris Brown’s music and hate GBV?

Like millions of fans around the world, I like Chris Brown’s music. It’s on my playlist, and I follow him on Instagram. I’m also a proud feminist who has felt incredibly torn in recent days as the controversy of his South African concerts has played out in headlines, both locally and abroad.

I’ve been questioning my principles and the prospect of “separating the artist from his art.”

Despite the masses calling anyone who criticises the US singer a “hater” – or “jealous” for not being able to secure tickets to his show – which I don’t have – the latest developments from your “favourite artist” just doesn’t sit right with me.

Here’s why…

CHRIS BROWN: LONGTIME ABUSER OR TALENTED ARTIST?

Over the years, we’ve essentially “cancelled” many influential artists whose past behaviour would be considered not only inappropriate but criminal in modern times.

This includes R Kelly, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and now, P Diddy. These powerful men have all been accused of horrific acts against vulnerable women, and even men.

On the flip side, artists like the late Michael Jackson – who was accused of molesting young boys – and Chris Brown himself, who has a long history of violence  – have been able to escape condemnation, thanks to their legion of adoring – mostly female – fans.

For Chris Brown, or “Breezy” as he is affectionately known – repeat allegations of him having a violent temper and assaulting and harassing women have been overshadowed by his catchy music, good looks and charm, and vibey dance moves.

Many have claimed that he is merely “misunderstood” and point to the fact that he is a hands-on dad. Others are full of praise that he has managed to remain relevant, and successful, despite what has been said.

He’s also won public praise for supporting up-and-coming artists – including South African ones. He’s won the heart of his fan by reposting videos of ordinary people dancing to his music.

In an interview last year, SA’s Tyla even praised Chris Brown for having an exemplary work ethic and for giving her invaluable industry advice.

Tyla : “Chris Brown is a very hard worker, very talented. He’d even watch my show, he’d go into disguise and come in the audience, he’ll often give me advice on how to be a better performer. I appreciate that so much”pic.twitter.com/vwIMX3TOUM

— Wealth (@teniolaSteph) October 17, 2024

Perhaps it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Perhaps Chris Brown can be all of the above.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT RIHANNA

On social media, Chris Brown fans have repeatedly claimed that his ex-girlfriend Rihanna has long since forgiven him for his 2009 assault on her.

At the time, Chris was just 18 years old. He’s now 35. What has happened in that period for him to still be labelled a “woman abuser”?

To all the nay-sayers, it wasn’t just Rihanna. In 2017, his longtime girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, was granted a five-year restraining order against him following a litany of offences.

According to Essence, Karrueche accused Chris of making violent threats via text, like: “B**** I will beat the s*** out of you” and “I promise you I will make your life hell.” She claims she had been assaulted multiple times by the singer.

Screenshots from Karrueche’s restraining order. Chris Brown is a real life pig: pic.twitter.com/ls0wvKjX2T

— watashi wa 🌟 🎃 (@SosoTheWanderer) February 21, 2017

In the years that followed his Rihanna romance, Chris has been accused of assaulting female companions at parties, clubs, and even in his home. Some allegations, which were either dropped or settled out of court, claim Chris drugged and sexually assaulted a number of women.

In a video that went viral last year, an agitated Chris Brown was seen “yelling” at fellow artist Teyana Taylor at his birthday party. When pal Usher attempted to intervene, the men allegedly got into a physical altercation.

IS HE REALLY REMORSEFUL, OR IS HE JUST MANIPULATIVE?

It’s no secret that Chris Brown loves women – but does he respect them? With him having two daughters of his own, this is a serious question.

Earlier this month anti-GBV activists Women For Change started a petition calling on authorities to revoke Chris’s visa for his upcoming concerts at the FNB Stadium. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, Chris casually jumped into the comment section of one of their Instagram posts, sharing: “Can’t wait to come.”

His passive-aggressive and egotistical tone was not only seen as a taunt that he can do as he pleases, but in many opinions, was a slap in the faces of women who’ve experienced the same and much worse at the hands of their abusive partners.

After all, the NGO is known for helping victims of GBV by offering them free resources like counselling, legal advice, as well as advocating for justice. They even help survivors leave their abusive environments. Sadly, their IG page is filled with tributes to women, children, and yes, even men, who have been brutally raped and murdered, often by their spouses or people close to them.

According to founder Sabrina Walter, since Chris Brown’s comment, they’ve faced an onslaught of social media hate, including threats, harassment, and insults.

One vulgar SA man – who has started a smear campaign against them – even called Walter a “miserable b*tch” in a video which Chris liked. The same man recently expressed his doubts that he would be comfortable leaving his own sister in Chris’s presence.

Does this sound like an artist who protects and respects the opinions of women?

THE TIMING IS OFF!

Chris Brown’s coming to South Africa could not come at a worse time. And it’s shocking that this even has to be mentioned.

His back-to-back concerts will take place just DAYS after SA wraps up its annual 16 Days of Activism GBV campaign.

Then there’s the fact that Investigation Discovery  (DStv channel 171) is set to air a documentary about the artist’s “history of abuse,” particularly against women. This is part of their “No Excuse For Abuse” pledge to their viewers.

WHAT SUPPORTING CHRIS BROWN REALLY MEANS…

Ultimately, the choice is yours on who you want to support, with your own money and for your own personal reason.

However, if after all that has been said and done in recent days, you should go into it knowing exactly what that support means.

According to social justice commentator Darren Campher, when it comes to Chris Brown, “the hope is that when people understand what he has done and the behaviour he perpetuates, and that he doesn’t seem to have any intent on changing it, that people then change how they spend their money, where they spend their attention and how they respond to him”.

He added: “As the public, we can decide on the principle that we don’t want to support somebody like this. We have to connect the dots between how we support people and what they do with our support”.

TV and radio personality Dan Corder added on the topic: “It sucks to find out that someone that means so much to you, and has been the soundtrack of crucial moments in your life, is awful, and to lose them and their music.

“[But] the message it sends that we are willing to look past that, so we can go and twirl for an international artist…who you wouldn’t leave your daughters in the presence of?”.

Can you really support Chris Brown coming to SA with a clear conscience, knowing what you now know? I certainly can’t…

DO YOU HAVE A STRONG OPINION ABOUT CHRIS BROWN?

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