U.S. singer Chris Brown’s Australian tour looks unlikely to go ahead, as officials say he’ll be refused entry to Australia because of his history of domestic violence.
The 26-year-old was due to perform at a series of concerts in December, but has been issued a formal notice from Australian officials of their intention to refuse him a visa. Tickets for his tour were expected to go on sale tomorrow.
"I can confirm that a Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal has been issued," Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told Fairfax Media.
The singer and his lawyers now have 28 days to explain why he should not be barred from the country.
Brown was convicted in 2009 of assault after bashing and threatening to kill his then-girlfriend, musician Rihanna.
He was sentenced to five years' probation, a year-long domestic violence program and 180 days of community labour.
He’s been to Australia since, but it’s thought the government’s stronger stance on domestic violence has moved officials to refuse him entry this time.
On Thursday, Minister for Women Michaelia Cash said she thought Brown should be refused entry to Australia.
"People need to understand, if you are going to commit domestic violence and then you want to travel around the world there are going to be countries that say to you 'You cannot come in because you are not of the character that we expect in Australia',” she said.