Former UCT Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng has explained why she will attend the Chris Brown show despite boycott calls from GBV activists.
Chris Brown is set to perform at the FNB Stadium on 14 and 15 December 2024. However, not everyone is happy he sold out both shows.
The Drama
There have been calls to boycott Chris Brown’s upcoming concert because of his history of violence against women, particularly his 2009 assault on Rihanna. The women’s rights group Women for Change has been vocal in their opposition, urging authorities and concert organisers to cancel his performances.
Women for Change also filed a petition, calling for the South African Department of Home Affairs to revoke Chris Brown’s visa.
ALSO READ: Chris Brown Adds Second Johannesburg Show After Tickets Sell Out in Hours
Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng Says She Will Attend The Chris Brown Show
Last week, the “Fab Academic” revealed that she had secured her ticket to the Breezy show. One X user then responded with her old tweet where she condemned gender-based violence.
Prof Mamokgethi would not let it slide. She responded:
“I am totally against GBV and strongly condemn it in all its forms. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I am going to attend Chris Brown’s concert if he comes. To suggest that enjoying a concert automatically aligns you with every past action of the artist is, at best, simplistic, and at worst, intellectually dishonest.
“Attending the concert does not magically erase our moral stance on GBV. It does not make us hypocrites, nor does it make us blind to the gravity of Chris Brown’s past actions. In this case, I don’t even have the full details of his past actions…I simply love his music! If you hold a different view, then big ups to you, but please do not impose your narrow beliefs on me, or anyone for that matter.
“If you think boycotting this one concert is going to end GBV in SA, you are delulu, and unfortunately, I can’t help you. Instead of policing each other’s entertainment choices, let’s direct that energy into genuine and meaningful activism against GBV in our country.”