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Chris Brown Concert Sparks Debate on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa

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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.”

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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.

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Liam Payne’s Posthumous Song Release Postponed to Allow Family to Mourn

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Liam Payne's Posthumous Song Release Postponed to Allow Family to Mourn

The release of Do No Wrong, a new song co-written and sung by the late Liam Payne, has been postponed out of respect for the singer’s grieving family. Payne’s collaborator, North Carolina artist Sam Pounds, announced the decision on Tuesday, saying, “It’s not the time yet” and that he wanted to give the family space to “mourn in peace.”

Originally scheduled for release on Friday, November 1st, Do No Wrong was intended to showcase Payne’s final creative work and, according to Pounds, “eclipse the negative echoes” surrounding Payne’s untimely death, which occurred two weeks ago.

In a heartfelt statement, Pounds explained the decision to delay the release: “Even though we all love the song, it’s not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam, and I want the family to mourn in peace and in prayer. We will all wait.”

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Pounds also expressed his intention to direct all proceeds from the track to a charity chosen by Payne’s family. “I want all proceeds to go to a charity of their choosing, or however they desire,” he said.

Fans took to social media to support Pounds’ decision, with many expressing that postponing the song was “the right decision” and offering condolences to Payne’s family. One fan remarked, “There will be a right time for it in the future, but for now, we mourn.”

Liam Payne, known for his success with One Direction and as a solo artist, passed away unexpectedly, leaving a lasting impact on his fans and collaborators. The delayed release of Do No Wrong serves as a reminder of the ongoing grief and healing that Payne’s loved ones are navigating.

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Shawn Mendes Opens Up About Sexuality: ‘I’m Just Figuring It Out Like Everyone’

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Shawn Mendes Opens Up About Sexuality: 'I'm Just Figuring It Out Like Everyone'

During a performance at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Monday, singer Shawn Mendes shared personal reflections about his sexuality, telling fans that he’s “just figuring it out like everyone.” Mendes’ candid remarks touched on the uncertainty and societal pressures many face when exploring their identity.

“I don’t really know sometimes and I know other times. It feels really scary because we live in a society that has a lot to say about that,” Mendes said to the crowd, according to fan footage posted on social media.

Mendes’ comments came ahead of a performance of an unreleased song titled The Mountain, which seems to address how speculation about his sexuality has impacted him. He acknowledged that discussions around his identity have followed him for much of his career, calling it intrusive and personal.

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“The truth is that I didn’t get to do a lot of 15-year-old things and discover parts of myself that you do at 15,” the Canadian singer explained. He went on to talk about the ongoing speculation about his sexuality, calling it “silly” and emphasizing the complexity of the subject.

“I think sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes,” Mendes continued, sharing how this journey of self-discovery is ongoing for him. “The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I’m just figuring it out like everyone.”

Mendes described the significance of his new song, which includes the lyrics, “You can say I’m too young, you can say I’m too old, you can say I like girls or boys, whatever fits your mold.” He shared that it was important for him to address his feelings in a way that felt authentic.

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“I guess I’m just speaking freely now, because I just want to be able to be closer to everyone and just kind of be in my truth,” Mendes added, receiving cheers from his supportive audience.

Mendes has previously spoken out against speculation surrounding his sexuality, calling for respect and understanding as he navigates his personal journey. His openness about this topic at the concert resonated with many fans, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s truth, even in the face of public scrutiny.

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Teri Garr, Beloved Star of ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Tootsie,’ Passes Away at 79

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Teri Garr, Beloved Star of 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Tootsie,' Passes Away at 79

Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated actress renowned for her roles in iconic films such as Young Frankenstein, Mr. Mom, and Tootsie, has passed away at the age of 79. Garr died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, surrounded by her family and friends, following a 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis, her publicist Heidi Schaeffer confirmed.

Garr first opened up about her diagnosis with the chronic autoimmune disease in 2002, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others living with the condition. Despite her illness, Garr continued to be an active presence in the entertainment world for many years.

Her journey in Hollywood began as a background dancer in Elvis Presley movies, after her mother, a former dancer herself, introduced her to dance at the age of six. Garr’s early career included work in the road company of West Side Story in Los Angeles, followed by appearances in films and television shows such as Batman and Dr. Kildare.

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Garr’s big break came in 1974 when she appeared in the thriller The Conversation. Shortly afterward, she achieved widespread recognition for her role as Gene Wilder’s lab assistant, Inga, in the Mel Brooks horror-comedy classic Young Frankenstein. Her performance, complete with a memorable German accent, helped solidify her status as a talented comedic actress.

Over her diverse career, Garr also took on dramatic roles, starring in films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Black Stallion. She continued to make her mark on television, with appearances on shows such as Star Trek and That Girl, and became a frequent guest on Late Night with David Letterman.

Garr leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances, versatility, and resilience in the face of adversity. She will be remembered as one of the most beloved comedic and dramatic talents of her generation.

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