Minister Gayton McKenzie has sparked controversy by publicly supporting Chris Brown’s upcoming concert and announcing plans to give away tickets, including to orphaned children.
The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, who also goes by the title of “Minister of Happiness,” revealed that he would be distributing 1,000 tickets for the event. Out of these, 500 would be given to young men, 100 to children from an orphanage, and 100 to other underprivileged individuals.
In a video announcement filled with provocative statements, McKenzie expressed his excitement for the concert, declaring, “With the powers vested in me by the president, December is open.”
However, Women for Change, an organization dedicated to fighting gender-based violence (GBV), strongly condemned both the concert and McKenzie’s actions. The group argued that providing a platform for an artist with a history of violence against women sends a dangerous message, especially in a country grappling with high rates of GBV.
“It is not entirely surprising to see a former convict expressing support for another individual with a history of violent behavior,” the organization stated.
Their main concern lies in the potential psychological impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children from orphanages. Women for Change warned that exposing children to an artist with a known violent past could normalize abusive behavior and perpetuate cycles of abuse.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) distanced itself from the concert, clarifying that neither Gayton McKenzie nor the party were involved in organizing the event. The PA spokesperson, Steve Motale, urged inquiries to be directed to the concert organizers.
Despite criticism and a petition with over 50,000 signatures against the concert, event organizers and government officials seemingly ignored the concerns raised by Women for Change. The organization emphasized the need for accountability and respect, prioritizing survivor support and dignity over entertainment and profit.
In a country grappling with alarmingly high rates of gender-based violence, the blatant disregard for survivors and their advocates is deeply concerning. Women for Change called for a shift in priorities, highlighting the importance of standing up for survivors and promoting a culture of respect and accountability.
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