Words by: Trilokesh Chanmugan
R&B artist Chris Brown has been warned by the Federal Government that his visa will be denied due to a history of domestic violence.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton explained that Brown had been given the “Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal”, which allows him 28 days to present material in his defense. If unsuccessful, Brown will not be permitted to enter the country.
The musician had been scheduled to perform a series of concerts in December 2015, and this decision comes just one day before tickets were due to go on sale. It is still uncertain whether Brown will cancel the shows or challenge the notice.
In 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna. He was sentenced to five years probation, a year-long domestic violence program, and 180 days of community service.
The decision to bar the singer from the country is in line with the Migration Act, which allows the government to deny visas to individuals with a ‘substantial criminal record’, and comes amid mounting pressure from anti-domestic violence advocates.
This coincides with the government’s $100 million package to tackle the ongoing spate of domestic violence and abusive relationships in Australia.
Rotunda Media 