Chris Brown Forced to Cancel Australian, New Zealand Tours After Visa Denied

Chris Brown‘s criminal record has followed him all the way down to the Southern hemisphere.

The hip-hop star has been forced to cancel his Australian and New Zealand tours after being refused visas due to his domestic violence conviction against Rihanna in February 2009.

A statement issued by Brown’s promoters confirmed the cancellation of the two legs of Brown’s world tour, according to Reuters, but did not give any details why.

Also Read: Chris Brown Wants to Teach Australian Kids About Domestic Violence

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said in September that his office intended to refuse Brown a visa over his history of domestic violence. There was then a 28-day window for him to appeal.

The singer responded to the cold reception that he got from Down Under by pledging to teach Australian kids about the perils of domestic violence.

“I would be more than grateful to come to Australia to raise awareness about domestic violence,” Brown wrote Sept. 29, adding that he’s “not the pink elephant in the room anymore.”

Also Read: Chris Brown Takes Turn as Victim in BET's 'Punk'd' Reboot: Wrap Trends (Video)

“My life mistakes should be a wake up call for everyone. Showing the world that mistakes don’t define you. Trying to prevent spousal abuse,” he continued.

“The youth don’t listen to parents nor do they listen to PSA’s. The power that we have as entertainers can change lives,” Brown added.

Brown had been scheduled to perform shows in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this month.

He was sentenced to five years of probation after beating then-girlfriend Rihanna during a February 2009 argument before the Grammys.

On June 22, 2009, he pleaded guilty to a felony and accepted a plea deal of community labor, five years’ formal probation, and domestic violence counseling.

'Straight Outta Compton' and 9 Other Hip-Hop Movies That Were Ballers at the Box Office (Photos)

"Straight Outta Compton" (2015)
The biopic about the rise and fall of N.W.A blazed into box-office history with a $60.2 million debut, the biggest opening ever for an R-rated film in August.
Universal
"8 Mile" (2002)
The drama, about a struggling young rapper (Eminem), made $116.8 million domestically at the box office. With a budget of $41 million, this hip-hop movie was a big baller for Universal.
Universal
"Notorious" (2009)
Chronicling the life and death of rap icon Notorious B.I.G., the film had a budget of $20 million and made $36.8 million domestically. It starred Jamal Woolard and Derek Luke.
20th Century Fox
"Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2005)
50 Cent starred in this semi-autobiographical drama about a drug dealer who turns away from crime to pursue a career in rap. It made $30 million domestically off a $40 million budget.
Paramount Pictures
"Brown Sugar" (2002)
This movie about a magazine editor who falls in love with a hip-hop record exec starred Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan and Mos Def. It made $27.3 million off a budget of $8 million.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Bulworth" (1998)
Warren Beatty directs and stars in this drama about a politician who decides to start speaking the truth and using rap music to get his point across. Isaiah Washington and Halle Berry co-starred in the film, which made $26.5 million at the domestic box office. However, it had a $30 million budget.
20th Century Fox
"Hustle & Flow" (2005)
Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning and Taraji P. Henson star in the Oscar-winning film about a Memphis pimp who strives to become a successful hip-hop MC. It made $22.2 million domestically on a $2.8 million budget.
Paramount Classics
"CB4" (1993)
Chris Rock co-wrote and starred in this "mockumentary" about the rise to fame of MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson and Dead Mike, members of the rap group CB4. It grossed $17.9 million at the box office.
Universal
"Beat Street" (1984)
The movie centers around an aspiring DJ from the Bronx who tries to expose people to hip-hop. The film grossed $16.6 million at the domestic box office.
Orion Pictures
"Krush Groove" (1985)
The drama is based on the early days of Def Jam and follows Russell Walker as he manages up-and-coming acts, which included Run-D.M.C. It starred the real members of Run-D.M.C. and and the Fat Boys. It grossed about $11 million at the box office on a $3 million budget.
Warner Bros.