When news broke that the music superstar Chris Brown had been arrested in the UK for a brutal 2023 nightclub assault, South African social media responded in shock (or not).
The artist, who is extremely popular in Mzansi despite having a long history of controversy, is once again forcing everyone to question themselves on how far loyalty should go. South Africa is definitely no exception.
Chris Brown’s fame over accountability?
Chris Brown’s arrest comes from an incident that happened in February 2023, at a nightclub in London called Tape, where Brown allegedly hit music producer Abe Diaw over the head with a Tequila bottle. Brown then allegedly kicked and stomped on him too, causing severe injuries, according to legal findings.
But yet many fans came to his defence, both in South Africa and abroad.
In fact just months before the arrest Chris Brown performed to two sold out crowds at the iconic FNB Stadium, on 14 and 15 December 2024. These shows marked his first South African appearance in nearly a decade, and the reception was more than amazing. Fans sang almost every song, danced to his beat and treated it as a once in a lifetime moment.s
But now that he has been arrested, the question is, what happens when the music fades and the headlines now turn dark?
Let’s bring it home. We have seen it before when public figures are accused of serious misconduct and they continue to enjoy success thereafter.
South African celebrities like Jub Jub and the late AKA have faced public scrutiny over past actions yet maintained massive followings. These cases reveal a familiar pattern, because when it comes to fame, the court of public opinion often delivers a much lenient verdict or punishment. When new media like podcasters highlight it then the public becomes defensive.
We know the media plays a role in public deception. International publications like People, would say for example Chris Brown’s arrest “serious” and “violent.” But here in South Africa we would often downplay it, by creating headlines about tours, what they were wearing and where they were playing.
In SA, instead of focusing on the implications of the alleged assault, the coverage would ask. “Will the tour continue?” or “How does this affect his image?” By doing this we make the public, without knowing, allow the entertainment value to outweigh the accountability.
The public that forgives too easily?
Psychologically fans develop an emotional attachment to celebs, and this can often cloud moral judgement. These celebs become part of them, and this makes it hard to face the truth. The stronger the bond, the harder it becomes to separate the artist from their actions.
In South Africa we have a great celebrity culture, and Chris Brown being in jail, is a case that has become a mirror.
Why are we so quick to excuse harmful behaviour when it comes wrapped in fame and talent?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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