STOP PLATFORMING ABUSERS: CHRIS BROWN SHOULD NOT BE WELCOME IN GLASGOW

Chris Brown is set to perform in Glasgow later this year. Once again, a man with a long and well-documented history of violence against women is being handed a stage, a platform, and a substantial payday. We need to ask why a man with a violent past is being platformed?

Irish rap group KNEECAP were recently removed from a UK festival line-up because of their political views. They were deemed too controversial and dropped from the bill.

Yet artists accused of repeated violence against women continue to tour, headline, and profit with little pushback.

What does that say about our priorities?

In May this year, Brown was arrested at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. He is accused of a violent assault with a glass bottle, leaving another man hospitalised.

Despite the seriousness of the charge, Brown was granted bail under conditions that still allow him to tour and perform. This sits alongside his previous conviction for the assault of singer Rihanna, and several other allegations of violence and sexual assault over the years.

Time and time again, we see the entertainment industry turn a blind eye to abuse when profit is involved. Promoters, venues and sponsors claim to stand against violence against women but continue to hand a mic to men who harm.

Chris Brown’s ongoing success tells survivors that abuse does not have consequences. It tells the public that talent excuses violence. It puts financial reward ahead of women’s safety and sends a message to young people that this behaviour is not only accepted but celebrated.

We are calling on:

• Promoters and venues to consider the impact of who they choose to platform
• Fans to reflect on where their money goes and what it supports
• The media to stop separating the music from the man
• Politicians to have more of a voice on performers who have been charged with violent crimes and not be swayed
• Glasgow to take a stand

Abuse should have consequences. Glasgow is better than this.