‘You’re delulu!’: Prof Phakeng defends purchasing VIP Chris Brown tickets

Former UCT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, has defended her choice to attend the Chris Brown concert, despite her public stance against gender-based violence (GBV).

The US singer – who has multiple allegations of domestic violence against him – will perform on 14  and 15 December at the FNB Stadium. 

His performance will come just days after the government’s 16 Days of Activism campaign dedicated to ending GBV.

Meanwhile, Investigation Discovery is set to air a documentary about Chris Brown’s “history of abuse” later this month.

PROF PHAKENG DEFENDS CHRIS BROWN TICKETS

Last week, Prof Phakeng courted controversy after she bragged about buying the most expensive VIP package for Chris Brown’s concert.

She tweeted from her X account, “Chris Brown tickets secured. Hall of Fame seats, here we come!”

Phakeng is referring to the most VIP package – which costs over R5 000 each!

Chris Brown is widely known for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna, as well as a long list of criminal allegations, which includes domestic abuse, sexual assault, and even drugging women.

The tweet saw X users dig up the ex-UCT Vice-Chancellor’s previous comments about GBV, with many labelling her a “hypocrite.”

Responding to the criticism, Prof Phakeng tweeted this week: “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.

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

“But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I am going to attend Chris Brown’s concert if he comes. These two things are not mutually exclusive! To suggest that enjoying a concert automatically aligns you with every past action of the artist is, at best, simplistic and, at worst, intellectually dishonest.

Phakeng went on to state that “music is bigger than the individual.”

She continued: “Some of us are capable of loving art while still 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 Chris Brown’s past actions. In this case, I don’t even have the full details of his past actions…I simply love his music!”

Clapping back at the naysayers, she added: “If you think boycotting this one concert is going to end GBV in SA, you are delulu, and unfortunately, I can’t help you.

If you think boycotting this one concert is going to end GBV in SA, you are delulu, and unfortunately, I can’t help you. I mean, the number of people who have bought tickets is enough to secure a political party at least 3 seats in the National Assembly. That’s what should be…— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024

“Let’s direct that energy into genuine and meaningful activism against GBV in our country. 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 in this regard”.

But also….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.

I am done addressing this matter. See you on the 14th…— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024

PETITION TO HALT CONCERTS GAINS MOMENTUM

Meanwhile, a Change.Org petition – which has garnered over 13 000 signatures – has been addressed to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber. In its motivation, anti-GBV activists Women For Change calls on the department to revoke Chris Brown’s visa and prevent him from performing in South Africa.

It read: “As a nation committed to fighting GBVF, how can we justify providing a platform to someone with a known history of abuse? It is imperative that we send a message that South Africa stands with survivors, not perpetrators.”

Women For Change have also called on show promoters Big Concerts to heed their concerns about the social justice implications.

Women For Change calls on concert organisers @BigConcerts , promoters, and the South African government @HomeAffairsSA @Leon_Schreib to reconsider the decision to allow Chris Brown to perform in Johannesburg on 14 December 2024.

Sign here: https://t.co/LILv6Y4ZJi

We have… pic.twitter.com/vSEk6GoVoG— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) October 7, 2024