When information broke that the music famous person Chris Brown had been arrested within the UK for a brutal 2023 nightclub assault, South African social media responded in shock (or not).
The artist, who’s extraordinarily common in Mzansi regardless of having an extended historical past of controversy, is as soon as once more forcing everybody to query themselves on how far loyalty ought to go. South Africa is unquestionably no exception.
Chris Brown’s fame over accountability?
Chris Brown’s arrest comes from an incident that occurred in February 2023, at a nightclub in London referred to as Tape, the place Brown allegedly hit music producer Abe Diaw over the pinnacle with a Tequila bottle. Brown then allegedly kicked and stomped on him too, inflicting extreme accidents, in response to authorized findings.
However but many followers got here to his defence, each in South Africa and overseas.
Actually simply months earlier than the arrest Chris Brown carried out to 2 offered out crowds on the iconic FNB Stadium, on 14 and 15 December 2024. These exhibits marked his first South African look in practically a decade, and the reception was greater than wonderful. Followers sang nearly each track, danced to his beat and handled it as a as soon as in a lifetime second.s
However now that he has been arrested, the query is, what occurs when the music fades and the headlines now flip darkish?
Let’s deliver it dwelling. We now have seen it earlier than when public figures are accused of great misconduct they usually proceed to get pleasure from success thereafter.
South African celebrities like Jub Jub and the late AKA have confronted public scrutiny over previous actions but maintained huge followings. These instances reveal a well-known sample, as a result of on the subject of fame, the court docket of public opinion usually delivers a a lot lenient verdict or punishment. When new media like podcasters spotlight it then the general public turns into defensive.
We all know the media performs a task in public deception. Worldwide publications like Folks, would say for instance Chris Brown’s arrest “severe” and “violent.” However right here in South Africa we might usually downplay it, by creating headlines about excursions, what they had been sporting and the place they had been enjoying.
In SA, as a substitute of specializing in the implications of the alleged assault, the protection would ask. “Will the tour proceed?” or “How does this have an effect on his picture?” By doing this we make the general public, with out understanding, enable the leisure worth to outweigh the accountability.
The general public that forgives too simply?
Psychologically followers develop an emotional attachment to celebs, and this may usually cloud ethical judgement. These celebs change into a part of them, and this makes it onerous to face the reality. The stronger the bond, the tougher it turns into to separate the artist from their actions.
In South Africa we now have an awesome movie star tradition, and Chris Brown being in jail, is a case that has change into a mirror.
Why are we so fast to excuse dangerous behaviour when it comes wrapped in fame and expertise?
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