Chris Brown concert protests, Given Chris Brown’s history of abuse, protestors argue that his impending concert in South Africa will convey the incorrect message, adding to the country’s high rates of violence against women. A second December date was added when the Grammy-winning artist’s gig at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium sold out in less than two hours. His past, specifically the 2009 domestic abuse case involving singer Rihanna, is being used by many South Africans as justification for protesting his performance.

The executive director of Women for Change, a nonprofit that promotes women’s rights, Sabina Walter, expressed her displeasure with Brown’s visit. In an effort to prevent him from playing, the organization has established a petition with more than 20,000 signatures. They contend that it sends the wrong message to allow an abuser who has been found guilty of GBV to perform in a nation where GBV is rife. With one recorded rape every 12 minutes, South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide and violence against women worldwide.

Walter and her organization have expressed doubts about Brown’s visa approval because South African law permits people with criminal records to be denied entrance. South African supporters of Brown are nonetheless excited to see him play even though he is banned in other nations.