Entertainment
Chris Brown Concert Sparks Debate on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Chris Brown’s upcoming concert in South Africa has ignited a heated conversation about the country’s high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) and the message his performance might send. The Grammy-winning R&B star quickly sold out tickets for his show at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, Africa’s largest venue, with a second date added to meet the overwhelming demand.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Many are concerned about Brown’s history of violence, particularly against women, and question whether hosting his concert sends the wrong signal in a nation grappling with some of the highest rates of femicide and GBV in the world.
Sabina Walter, executive director of Women for Change, expressed her disappointment over Brown’s visit, stating, “I was shocked and deeply disappointed.” The advocacy group has started a petition against his performance, which has already garnered over 20,000 signatures. Walter emphasized that allowing Brown to perform in a country where gender-based violence is rampant “sends a damaging message—that fame and power outweigh accountability.”
South Africa’s GBV crisis is staggering, with a rape reported every 12 minutes, though experts believe many incidents go unreported. Campaigners argue that Brown’s presence could undermine the country’s ongoing battle to address this issue.
In contrast, some public figures, like former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng, have defended their decision to attend the concert. Phakeng shared that she condemns GBV but does not believe attending the show is synonymous with endorsing the artist’s past actions. “To suggest that enjoying a concert aligns you with every past action of the artist is, at best, simplistic and, at worst, intellectually dishonest,” she said.
As the concert dates approach, the debate continues, with both sides voicing their perspectives on the complex intersection of art, accountability, and activism in South Africa.
Entertainment
Robert Carradine, dies aged 71
American actor Robert Carradine, widely recognised for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71.
In a statement, his family shared that Carradine had lived with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and chose to speak openly about his cause of death to help challenge stigma surrounding mental health.
Tributes quickly followed from colleagues and admirers, including his former on-screen daughter Hilary Duff, who reflected on their shared experiences and the impact he had on those around him.
Born on 24 March 1954, Carradine came from a distinguished acting family. He was the son of John Carradine and the younger brother of David Carradine.
Encouraged early on by his brother, Carradine landed his first screen role in The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne.
He went on to build a varied and respected career, including an appearance in Mean Streets directed by Martin Scorsese, and later in Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino.
Across decades in the industry, Carradine remained a familiar presence on both the big and small screen, contributing to projects that resonated with audiences worldwide.
His family expressed hope that sharing his story would inspire understanding and encourage open conversations about mental health, reinforcing the importance of compassion and awareness.
Entertainment
Tributes Pour In as Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Courageous ALS Battle
Eric Dane, widely recognised for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly sharing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane was celebrated for portraying Dr Mark Sloan — affectionately known to fans as “Dr McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy, as well as family patriarch Cal Jacobs in Euphoria.
The California-born actor revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent his final months championing awareness and support for those living with the condition, the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
In a statement, his family confirmed he passed away on Thursday afternoon following what they described as a courageous battle with the illness.
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His loved ones shared that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends and family.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always,” the statement read, adding that he remained grateful for the support of fans throughout his career.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his television journey with an appearance in The Wonder Years in 1993. He went on to portray Jason Dean in Charmed and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship, while also appearing in films including Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.
Following news of his passing, tributes from colleagues quickly emerged. Patrick Dempsey, who starred alongside him on Grey’s Anatomy, remembered Dane as “a joy to work with,” praising both his humour and his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.
Fellow cast members also paid tribute. Kim Raver recalled his playful wit and impeccable comedic timing on set, while Kevin McKidd shared a simple message of remembrance online.
In his final months, Dane channelled his platform toward advancing public understanding of ALS, leaving behind not only a legacy of memorable performances but also a meaningful contribution to ongoing advocacy efforts.
Entertainment
Tech-Inspired Musician Look Mum No Computer to Represent UK at Eurovision
Electronic artist Look Mum No Computer has been selected to represent the United Kingdom at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
The solo performer — real name Sam Battle — is known for blending music with technology, building unconventional instruments and composing electronic soundscapes using devices such as modified Furby toys and Game Boys.
Battle first emerged on the music scene in 2014 as the frontman of indie rock band Zibra, which performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2015. Since then, he has focused on his solo project, gaining global attention for his inventive approach to sound creation.
“I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey,” he said after the announcement.
“A lifelong Eurovision fan, I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year. Getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour.”
Based in Kent, the artist has built a strong online presence, amassing around 1.4 million followers across his social media platforms, including his YouTube channel.
His work has drawn widespread interest for its creativity, featuring inventions such as Furby-powered organs, synthesiser bicycles and even flame-throwing keyboards.
“I’ve spent years creating, writing and producing my own visions from scratch,” he said. “I’ll be bringing every ounce of my creativity to the stage — I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised.”
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