Independent on Saturday

A fandom expert explains how racialised loyalty helps the controversial singer retain his fans

US singer Chris Brown’s reputation is as well known as his music.

In 2009, he was sentenced to five years probation for assaulting his then-girlfriend, fellow singer Rihanna, and he has been involved in other controversies over the years involving violence, misogyny and alleged sexual assault.

The UK leg of his arena tour, “Under the Influence”, started on March 9. These are his first British shows since being denied entry in 2010 because of his criminal record.

The tour sold out in minutes, and a recent Evening Standard review described Brown as “arguably cancel culture’s greatest fail

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Independent on Saturday

Independent on Saturday2 min read
Enjoy The Occasion, Ponting Tells Proteas
WORLD Cup pressure is one thing, but playing in the World Cup final is a different ball game altogether. South Africa will get a taste of the uniqueness of the final today as they take on powerhouses India at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The bigg
Independent on Saturday3 min read
Horrific Scenes At Cat Death House
It was meant to be a safe haven for cats and kittens, but turned into an indescribable scene of cruelty and death with too many decomposing bodies to count. Some had died still locked in rescue cages. Black rubbish bins were filled with bodies. Other
Independent on Saturday2 min read
Celine Dion Shares Footage Of Her Seizure
SINGER Céline Dion has shared footage of her suffering a torturous seven-minute seizure caused by her Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). The 56-year-old My Heart Will Go On singer was forced to stop performing following her 2022 diagnosis of the rare cond

Related Books & Audiobooks