It’s Not OK, Stay Away Chris Brown
Media Release 1 October 2015
Family First NZ says that Chris Brown’s actions and message should not be welcomed in New Zealand and Maori leaders are undermining the strong message against domestic and sexual violence by supporting his visit.
“The Maori leaders are being completely naïve when they say they would look to Brown to show ‘strong leadership on the scourge that is domestic violence’. They need only to examine the lyrics of his latest album, and view his behaviour in the past five years to see that Chris Brown is a troubled individual who is not a motivational speaker or role model that some would paint him to be or would like him to be,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
“If Chris Brown speaks the way that youth in NZ speak, as Tariana Turia argues, then we’re in big trouble. Chris Brown’s endorsement by the Maori leaders will simply ingrain those messages.”
“We firmly believe in rehabilitation and redemption and a second chance, Chris Brown is on his ‘umpteenth’ chance. His lyrics and actions demonstrate that he still has a long way to go in his rehabilitation – part of which is admitting and renouncing his crimes and attitudes, and changing his attitudes and language towards women.”
“Maybe one day Brown will prove to us that he respects women, and that his words to young people will be words and attitudes that show respect and value – that reject sexual violence and the objectification and denigration of women. Hopefully that day will be soon,” says Mr McCoskrie.
The government should reject his visa application.
Assaulted Rihanna in 2009 with a barrage of punches to her face, bit her ear and strangled her
Became violent again in 2011 throwing an object at a window because he got asked in an interview about the assault
Involved in a brawl in 2012
Used drugs while on community service, breaking its terms
Ignore the restraining order not to go to the same functions as Rhianna
Got a neck tattoo that looks like the face of a battered woman
Punched someone in 2013 over a parking space, and threatened to shoot him
Arrested in 2013 for felony assault, sentenced to rehab, violated rules there and then prison
ENDS
