GOOD Statement by Kaden Arguile, GOOD National Youth Chairperson &
Rachel Wapad, GOOD Women representative
16 October 2024
The GOOD party joins GBVF and Womens’ Rights activists who are demanding “no stage for abusers”.
We are concerned about the message Chris Brown’s December concert is sending to the men and women of our country.
Big Concerts and Y announced that they will be bringing Chris Brown to South Africa.
The Breezy in SA concert was originally scheduled for one day but was soon increased to include a second performance due to high demand.
GOOD has run an extensive anti-GBVF campaign, “Don’t Shut Up. Speak Up” and now we all need to walk our talk.
Given the South African GBVF pandemic we cannot separate the art from the artist.
The most recent Crime Statistics (April 2024 to June 2024) showed a year-on-year increase in contact crimes against women. 966 women were murdered in the 3-month period and over 13,000 cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm were reported.
This country cannot afford to normalize or platform a known abuser.
Brown is a serial offender. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault after abusing former girlfriend and fellow musician, Rihanna. In 2017, a judge granted ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran a restraining order following threats of violence. He has faced multiple other allegations of abuse.
We have a responsibility to prove we are taking Gender-based violence seriously.
His performance is scheduled just days after the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
The fight against GBVF is not just big bold actions taken by government but rather a collection of the daily decisions taken by ordinary citizens.
We call on the concert organizers and those who plan to attend his concert to think about the implications of placing a man like him on a pedestal.
It is time we stood up in a collective voice and said no to abuse.
Media enquiries:
Kaden Arguile: GOOD National Youth Chairperson
Cell: 072 4451437
Email: kaden@forgood.org.za
Rachel Wapad, GOOD Women representative:
Cell: 072 9419465
Email: rachelwapad123@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za