An activist group has called on Australia's immigration minister to stop US musician Chris Brown from entering the country due to his violent past.
GetUp! has launched an online petition requesting immigration minister Peter Dutton refuse the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter entry when his One Hell of A Nite tour visits Australia from December 9-16.
The group says the 26-year-old music star would fail the visa character test due to his conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. They also say allowing the tour to go ahead sends the wrong message to survivors of family violence.
"Chris Brown is an extremely influential figure, particularly among young people. Allowing his entry into Australia sends the message that the Turnbull government does not place significant weight and condemnation on men's violence against women," GetUp! says.
"We are implicitly sending the message that if you brutally beat a woman, in a short amount of time you will be forgiven, or even celebrated."
Brown has also announced a concert in New Zealand on December 18 but it's uncertain whether he will be allowed into the country.
The NZ Immigration department is yet to decide whether Brown will be granted a visa to perform in Auckland.
The R&B star was sentenced to five years' probation, a year-long domestic violence program and 180 days of community labour after assaulting Rihanna in 2009.
Brown's manager has been contacted for comment.
