“Phakeng Clarifies Stance on GBV Amid Backlash Over Chris Brown Concert”

Former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng is under fire after announcing she will attend Chris Brown’s December concert at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

This sparked outrage due to Brown’s history of domestic violence.

Chris Brown tickets secured. Hall of fame seats here we come! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽 pic.twitter.com/tsrTka9Efa

— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 1, 2024

Old tweets from Phakeng condemning gender-based violence (GBV) resurfaced, leading many to accuse her of “double standards” and supporting an “abuser”.

In a lengthy thread on social media, Phakeng said her stance against GBV had nothing to do with her attending the concert.

“I am totally against GBV and condemn it. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I am going to attend Brown’s concert if he comes. These two things are not mutually exclusive. To suggest that enjoying a concert aligns you with every past action of the artist is, at best, simplistic and, at worst, intellectually dishonest.

“Music is bigger than the individual. It connects us and heals us in different ways. Some of us are capable of loving art while holding artists accountable. Attending the concert does not magically erase our moral stance on GBV. It does not make us hypocrites, nor does it make us blind to the gravity of Brown’s past actions. In this case I don’t have the full details of his past actions. I simply love his music. If you hold a different view, then big ups to you, but please do not impose your narrow beliefs on me or anyone for that matter.”

Yes, it’s definitely me. Even today, I am totally against GBV and strongly condemn it in all its forms. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I… https://t.co/t5hAp0imO5

— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024

Brown’s concert has received mixed reactions. Tickets sold out in hours, indicating significant interest, while a petition calling for concert cancellation due to Brown’s abuse history and South Africa’s GBV concerns trended.

Phakeng said boycotting the event would not eradicate GBV in South Africa.

“If you think boycotting this one concert is going to end GBV in South Africa you are delulu [delusional] and unfortunately I can’t help you. The number of people who have bought tickets is enough to secure a political party at least three seats in the National Assembly. That’s what should worry you.

“Instead of educating them by making strong intellectual arguments about how their attendance at the concert affects GBV cases in South Africa, you think insults directed at me (and petitions signed by 12 people) will make a difference. Please.

“Instead of policing each other’s entertainment choices, let’s direct that energy into genuine and meaningful activism against GBV. This cancel culture nonsense is so 2020. It’s 2024, you can’t be that entitled. If you think insults are going to make me change my mind, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I’m going to the concert and I need no-one’s permission or support.”

Phakeng reiterated that attending the concert will not silence her voice against GBV.

“If you think attending will silence my voice against GBV, then I’m sorry to disappoint you again because I will continue to speak out against GBV and educate our young men on how to be decent, loving human beings.”