UPDATE: The singer’s team explains the “notice of intention to consider refusal.”
In light of the reports that the Australian government is considering denying Chris Brown entry into the country, the singer’s management has released a statement explaining the situation. The singer posted the statement on his Instagram and it was also published on the website for Australian ticket vendorTicketek.
“Contrary to media reports, Chris Brown’s request to enter Australia on tour has not been denied,” the statement reads. “This request is currently being considered by the office of the Immigration Minister. We respect their right to review this request and have faith that a decision will be made with the full consideration of his continued personal growth, on-going philanthropic endeavors and desire to perform for his fans. Since 2009, Chris Brown has visited Australia on two separate occasions and is looking forward to returning in December.”
The government cited concern over the singer’s 2009 domestic violence case involving Rihanna when issuing its “notice of intention to consider refusal,” saying it might not grant Brown an entrance visa for his tour.
Brown is scheduled for four shows in the country in December.
government minister signaled Thursday that Chris Brown won’t be allowed to tour Australia in December because of his criminal conviction for assaulting pop star Rihanna.
Michaelia Cash, who was assistant minister for Immigration and Border Protection before a Cabinet reshuffle this week, said she would recommend that Immigration Minister Peter Dutton refuse the 25-year-old American a visa on character grounds.
“People need to understand if you are going to commit domestic violence and then you want to travel around the world, there are going to be countries that say to you: ‘You cannot come in because you are not of the character we expect in Australia,’” Cash, who is now minister for women, told reporters.
“This is a government that is not afraid to say: ‘no,’” she said.
She was backed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who said Cash “has very brilliantly expressed the thoughts of the government.”
Both were speaking at the launch of a 100 million Australian dollar ($70 million) government initiative to prevent domestic violence.
Activists have been campaigning against Brown’s tour of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth because of his brutal attack on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, hours before the Grammy Awards in 2009.
He pleaded guilty to felony assault and was freed from probation this year.
Britain, Canada and New Zealand have also refused him visas.
A publicist for Brown did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
