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Chris Brown wants to perform in Australia, but Australia just refused to let him in.

Chris Brown might have to refund a lot of tickets to a lot of pissed off fans.

Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images.


Australia has denied the singer a visa for a huge upcoming tour — because of his history of abusing women.

Photo by Phil Whitehouse/Wikimedia Commons.

According to a report in The New York Times' Women in the World blog, Brown's 2009 conviction for attacking Rihanna led to the country's decision to show him the door.

"Singer Chris Brown has had his visa application to perform in Australia formally denied on character grounds, because of his domestic violence history. Brown was due to tour Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth in December on his 'One Hell of a Nite' tour. 'I can confirm that a Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal has been issued,' immigration minister Peter Dutton told Fairfax Media. The performer has 28 days to appeal."

Australia's decision follows on the heels of places like Canada and the U.K. that have also barred Brown in the past.

While the singer's Australian fans may be disappointed, it's a big symbolic victory for those hoping to see Brown finally, after six long years, face some real consequences for the despicable attack — even if they're just financial.

Australia's stance isn't perfect, and it's still possible the decision will be reversed.

Brown can still appeal, and his tour promoters are still selling tickets, so the refusal is not a done deal.

And while Australia's stand against abuse is admirable, some have accused the country of focusing on domestic crimes committed by black celebrities like Chris Brown and Snoop Dogg while ignoring the violent past of white performers like Ozzy Osbourne — which is definitely concerning.

But standing up to a known abuser, no matter how famous, is a good start.

"Sorry, mate. Better luck next time." Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Too often, domestic abuse goes ignored, unpunished, even rewarded. Thankfully, one country isn't letting Brown sweep it under the rug like so many celebrities (and non-celebrities, for that matter) have in the past.

At least in this one case, Australia is sending a clear message: Domestic violence will make you persona non grata here.


Time travel back to 1905.

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Mom in tears after another parent calls about daughter's lunch


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