“It is not at all surprising to see a former prisoner express support for another individual with a history of violent behavior,” Women for Change said.
Minister Gayton McKenzie announced a mass distribution of tickets, including one to orphans, in support of Chris Brown's upcoming concert, sparking a storm of criticism.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, who also claims the title 'Minister of Happiness', will distribute 1,000 tickets, of which 500 will go to young people, 100 to children in orphanages and 100 to other disadvantaged people. announced that it would be distributed to .
McKenzie's video announcement, full of provocative statements, underlined his enthusiasm for the event. “With the authority given to me by the President, December begins,” he declared.
“Tomorrow morning, you'll be lucky to get tickets for you and your partner. Not just one. You can't give just one. You'll end up getting a divorce. He'll get a ticket.” I’m going to leave you, or she’ll leave you.”
Kids at Chris Brown's party
Women for Change, an organization that fights gender-based violence (GBV), condemned the concert and Mr McKenzie's approach.
The group argues that giving a platform to artists with a documented history of violence against women sends a dangerous message, especially in a country grappling with extreme prevalence of GBV.
“It is not at all surprising that a former prisoner would express support for another person with a history of violence,” the group said.
Their main interest goes beyond the concert itself and focuses on the potential psychological impact on vulnerable populations, especially children in orphanages.
The group highlighted the risk of normalizing abusive behavior by exposing children to artists with violent pasts.
“Exposing young children, many of whom may already be vulnerable or come from abusive backgrounds, to such environments risks perpetuating cycles of abuse.”
Also read: “Don't be silent, speak up”: GOOD party joins GBV activists' call to oppose Chris Brown's concert
“Disregard for survivors and their advocates”
When asked for comment, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) distanced itself from the concert's organizers, saying it was not involved in the planning or execution of the concert.
“As you may be aware, neither Mr. Gayton McKenzie nor the Patriotic Alliance is the organizer of the Chris Brown concert. Please contact the concert organizer with any questions,” party spokesperson Steve Motelle said. Ta.
When contacted by citizen, Big Concert has not commented.
Women for Change said their critique goes beyond the immediate concert and points to broader social issues of responsibility and respect.
They noted that a petition against the concert had garnered 51,330 signatures, but appeared to have been ignored by event organizers and government officials.
“In a country battling some of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, this blatant disregard for survivors and their advocates is deeply disappointing,” the group said, adding that support for survivors is more important than entertainment or profit. and emphasized the need to prioritize dignity.
Read now: Women For Change, Chris Brown submits petition to ministries with over 50,000 signatures
