October 31, 2012 15:41

Irish band turn down Chris Brown support slot over domestic abuse charge

The Original Rudeboys snub R&B singer over 2009 conviction

Photo: PA

An Irish band have snubbed Chris Brown's offer of a support slot at an upcoming gig in protest of the singer's 2009 assault on Rihanna.

Dublin based group The Original Rudeboys were invited to support Brown at his forthcoming O2 Arena show in Dublin on December 3 but declined the invite as they didn't want to be seen to condone Brown and the crime he committed.

Speaking to TV channel RTE, Sean Walsh of The Original Rudeboys said: "Even though it's a huge opportunity to play in the O2 with a major hip-hop star and a substantial fee was offered, we are completely against Chris Brown's assault on Rihanna... In addition, with our latest single 'Blue Eyes' being about domestic violence, it goes against everything we are about as a band and supporting Chris Brown would send out the wrong message to our fans."

Earlier this year, a feminist group made their views plain on the singer by sticking a batch of 'This Man Beats Women' warning stickers to his albums in music retailers.

Similarly the singer faced a huge backlash after getting what appeared to be a woman with severe facial injuries tattooed on his neck in September.

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