Chris Brown has said he wants to come to Australia to educate people on domestic violence in an apparent last minute bid to sway a decision not to grant him a visa.
Brown was sentenced to five years probation for hitting, choking and biting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in a car. The singer is due to perform across various venues in Australia in December, but could be stopped from doing so because of his history of domestic violence.
The immigration minister Peter Dutton issued a notice of his intention to consider denying him a visa over the weekend, despite Brown having toured in the country two times since pleading guilty to assault.
Australia’s Minister for Women Michaelia Cash made a “strong recommendation” that his visa be denied on character grounds earlier last week. Brown has 28 days to present a case as to why he should be allowed entry to the country.
He addressed the notice of intention to refuse him entry on Tuesday, and said he would be “more than grateful to come to Australia to raise awareness about domestic violence”.
“My life mistakes should be a wake up call for everyone. Showing the world that mistakes don't define you,” he added. “Trying to prevent spousal abuse.”
Tickets for his show went on sale on Thursday despite uncertainty remaining over whether he will be allowed to perform.
A spokesperson for Brown said: “We respect the right to review this request [for a visa] and have faith that a decision will be made with the full consideration of his continued personal growth, on-going philanthropic endeavours 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.“
