Chris Brown performed at his first UK event for the first time since being banned from the country following his assault on former girlfriend Rihanna.
The 33-year-old rapper took to the stage at Wireless Music Festival in London yesterday (1 July), prompting a strong reaction from the online community.
Many people criticised the organisers and Brown’s fans who supported his return to the UK.
“If you’re planning on watching Chris Brown at Wireless you may as well just say you hate women with your chest,” wrote one.
“All up in arms about Amber Heard but will happily support an abuser as long as he makes mediocre music and said sorry.”
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Another commented, “Not Wireless bragging on their TikTok that Rihanna turned up. You guys had Chris Brown playing are u not ashamed?”
The backlash started when it was announced that the ‘Loyal’ singer had been added to the lineup.
As said by one Twitter user: “I’m actually fuming that Chris Brown has been announced for Wireless, the man is an ABUSER, how has he been allowed to continue on this level?”
Others, however, were happy to see him back in the country, including this person who wrote: “Chris Brown back in UK after 12 years performing at Wireless festival, my baby was so happy I'm so proud of him.”
One audience member who saw his performance at Wireless said: “Btw. Chris Brown absolutely stole the show at Wireless today. Made ASAP look TIRED.”
Back in 2010, Brown was publicly banned from stepping on British soil shortly after he was arrested for assaulting Rihanna following the Grammys.
The pair got into an argument while Brown was driving in his Lamborghini, which led to her suffering from a split lip, bruised eye and other injuries.
As punishment for the attack, the rapper was charged with a felony assault and for making criminal threats.
He pleaded guilty to a felony and accepted a plea deal of community labour, five years' probation and domestic violence counselling.
In a statement at the time of his UK ban, the Home Office said: “We reserve the right to refuse entry to the UK to anyone guilty of a serious criminal offence.
"Public safety is one of our primary concerns.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, call the Freephone 24/7 National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women's Aid in partnership with Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.womensaid.org.uk
Topics: Chris Brown, Festivals, Music, Rihanna, Crime, Domestic Abuse
Daisy Phillipson