In an interesting move, rapper Chris Brown has plead his case on Twitter to the Australian Government, as it seeks to reject his visa application and stop him from touring in the country.
Brown was recently issued with a warning that his visa application to Australia, for when he plans to tour at the end of the year, will probably be denied on the basis of his criminal history. In 2009, he was convicted of assaulting and threatening to kill his girlfriend Rihanna and was sentenced to five years probation.
Australia's Migration Act states anyone with a "substantial criminal record" involving a prison sentence of 12 months or more can be refused a visa. The singer has a month to appeal the pending visa decision, and on Tuesday evening, appeared to have started the process on his social media.
I would be more than grateful to come to Australia to raise awareness about domestic violence.Im not the pink elephant in the room anymore— Chris Brown (@chrisbrown) September 29, 2015
The youth don't listen to parents nor do they listen to PSA's. The power that we have as Entertainers can change lives.— Chris Brown (@chrisbrown) September 29, 2015
My life mistakes should be a wake up call for everyone. Showing the world that mistakes don't define you. Trying to prevent spousal abuse— Chris Brown (@chrisbrown) September 29, 2015
Why ban him?
An intense media spotlight has been focussed on the issue of domestic violence in Australia during the past year. It has seen many people speak out about the issue in Australia, and call for more to be done. One of the main anti-violence advocates is Rosie Batty, who watched her son Luke die at the hands of his father.
For Batty's work in the area, she was titled Australian of the Year in 2015 and her efforts to campaign against domestic violence have seen a national conversation occur. This discussion culminated in the Australian Government's recent announcement of a A$100 million package to help those suffering in violent situations.
The move to block Brown's entry to Australia is backed by activist organisation GetUp!, which started a petition regarding the matter. The group sees it as another way of taking a tough stance against domestic violence, sending a message that Australia is no place for those who hit women.
Brown sees his part to play in this debate a bit differently from his critics, though. According to his tweets, Brown thinks of himself as a case study and believes he can educate people on the issue given his status as an entertainer. He writes his position in his industry also gives him the ability to sway culture in a way parents and teachers can't.
Tickets for Brown's Australian shows are still on sale after going up on Monday morning -- but despite the rapper's protests, it is likely fans will be left disappointed.