Petition Calls For Chris Brown To Be Allowed Into Aus As Singer Dismisses Visa Ban

Just days after a petition was launched asking for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to ban US singer Chris Brown from entering Australia, a new petition has called for the MP to allow the controversial artist into the country, following Sunday's news that Dutton had issued a Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal of the performer's visa.

The Change.org petition is contesting the decision after a spokesperson for the Immigration Department told media yesterday: "People to whom these notices are issued have 28 days to present material as to why they should be given a visa to enter Australia."

The petition reads, "Chris Brown is a talented musician and while his music is well recognised, he himself is not; especially in Australia. The only piece of information a lot people know about him is his troubled past and history of assault in 2009," referring to the assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna. 

"In no way shape or form are we condoning or excusing his actions. We can all agree he was wrong and even Chris has admitted to this himself. He has shown an abundance of remorse. But here we are 7 years later, still on the same topic. It’s time we move forward. Perhaps even try to make a positive example of this situation."

The petition cites Brown's charity foundation, Symphonic Love, which he launched in 2012 as a way of supporting and creating arts programs for youth, as one example of how the artist has been rehabilitated. 

"Chris Brown is not an advocate for DV. He has invested his own personal time into trying to help others involved similar cases.  In fact, he is a great example of how people can change their life around and use their experiences to help the community."

"Chris made a mistake 7 years ago at the young age of 19. He has served his time and paid his dues for his crimes. The American Justice system has taken upon matters appropriately and have moved on; and quite frankly so should we."

So far near 3500 people have signed the petition with a goal of 5000 — click here for more details. 

Fans have been left in the dark as to whether they should purchase tickets (which have gone on sale today) considering that Brown has been given an opportunity to contest the decision. Ticketek have confirmed to theMusic that if the tour was to be cancelled all patrons would receive a full refund, but as it stands, the One Hell Of A Nite tour is going ahead. 

Promoters have today released an official statement to clarify reports yesterday about the 'Notice of Intention'. 

"This request is currently being considered by the office of the Immigration Minister.  We respect their right to review this request and have faith that a decision will be made with the full consideration of his continued personal growth, on-going philanthropic endeavors 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."

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old singer has taken to social media, surprising one fan by commenting on their post before deleting it soon after. 

Responding to a fan who expressed her displeasure in the visa ban, Brown wrote "Don't listen the bullshit . I'm coming" before adding, "It's media and all bullshit" and "we gone party".

See the comments below as posted on the fan's Instagram page.

There are people who are taking exception to the controversial issue for other reasons; Clem Bastow of Daily Life writes that denying visas of touring celebrities seem to be only targeted at those involved in R&B and rap. 

"Collective Shout and Melinda Tankard Reist campaigned widely to have the music video for Kanye West's Monster banned, there was no such level of effort put into having Maroon 5's controversial (and equally as disturbing) clip for Animals torn from the airwaves," Bastow writes in reference to the video that was slammed for dehumanising women and glamorising violence.

Bastow cited former AFL player Wayne Carey and NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall as other examples.

"One might ask why Wayne Carey - who has faced a number of allegations of domestic violence - is employed as an expert commentator. Similarly, given the NRL's stance on domestic violence, it's confusing to see Shaun Kenny-Dowall - arrested and charged with ten offences against his former partner including six counts of common assault - still on the field."