Sabina Walter, executive director of Women for Change, expressed disappointment at Brown's scheduled performance, emphasizing the damaging message it sends in a country facing a gender-based violence crisis.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide and gender-based violence globally, with a rape reported approximately every 12 minutes.

Chris Brown's upcoming concerts in South Africa have sparked significant debate about the country's alarming rates of violence against women.

The backlash against Brown's performances is largely rooted in his history of domestic violence, including a felony assault conviction for attacking Rihanna in 2009.

Women for Change, a South African women's rights group, has initiated a petition to prevent Brown from performing, which has gained over 28,000 signatures.

Activists argue that allowing Brown to perform is an insult to women and girls affected by violence, especially as it coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Despite his past, Brown has been granted a visa to perform in South Africa, raising concerns about the Department of Home Affairs' decision-making processes.

Brown's concerts, set for December 14 and 15, 2024, at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium, sold out in under two hours, prompting the addition of a second date.

Critics argue that allowing Brown to perform sends a harmful message that fame and power can overshadow accountability for past actions.

The concerts' timing is particularly significant as it follows the global commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

In addition to his past legal issues, Brown has faced recent lawsuits related to a dog attack and an incident where he allegedly hospitalized a man in a nightclub.

Brown's history of violence against women includes a 2009 incident where he pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna, which has led to bans from several countries.