Domestic abuse survivor and former Chris Brown fan blasts singer's Glasgow gig at Hampden

A domestic abuse survivor and former Chris Brown superfan has said the singer’s return to Glasgow shows “violence against women doesn’t matter”.

Lisa Walsh left a relationship in 2018 after enduring what she described as “all types of physical, emotional and financial” abuse.

“To me, at that time, it was normal,” she said. “I felt this was just how you were supposed to be treated.

“And it wasn’t until I left that I realised that, actually, I was in an abusive relationship.”

Lisa Walsh has spoken out against Chris Brown's appearance in Glasgow. — Lisa Walsh has spoken out against Chris Brown’s appearance in Glasgow. STV News

Ms Walsh has joined calls from women’s organisations criticising organisers of Brown’s performance at Glasgow’s Hampden stadium on Tuesday evening.

She told STV News that she was a major fan of Brown’s music as a teenager.

In January 2009, she attended a Chris Brown concert at Glasgow’s SECC.

She described “having the time of my life” when Brown invited her, along with other fans, up on stage to dance.

But just one month later, in February 2009, Brown attracted international condemnation after he physically assaulted his then girlfriend, the popstar Rihanna, inflicting injuries which resulted in hospitalisation.

He later admitted a felony charge of assault and accepted a plea deal of community labour, five years of probation and domestic violence counselling.

In the years since this incident, the R&B singer, who remains one of the biggest names in music, has faced a multitude of violent charges and allegations.

In June this year, he was arrested in Manchester for alleged involvement in a violent incident outside a London nightclub in 2023.

He denies these charges and remains on bail.

Speaking ahead of his appearance at Hampden, Ms Walsh said: “I feel this just shows that victims don’t matter because time and time again we see people, especially with a high profile, whether it’s money or status or anything, they seem to become invincible.”

She added: “There’s no hate for anybody who wants to go and enjoy that music. I think the problem is the deeper meaning behind it.

“It’s not just about going and enjoying the music. It’s just reaffirming the message, that no matter what he does, the horrific things that he’s done to women, he’s still untouched and he’s still making money.”

Lisa’s comments have been backed by Glasgow Women’s Aid.

In a statement the organisation said: “Once again, a man with a long and well-documented history of violence against women is being handed a stage, a platform, and a substantial payday. We need to ask why a man with a violent past is being platformed?”

The statement continued: “Time and time again, we see the entertainment industry turn a blind eye to abuse when profit is involved. Promoters, venues and sponsors claim to stand against violence against women but continue to hand a mic to men who harm.”

Women’s Aid also said singers like Brown have received “little pushback” in comparison to acts such as the Irish rap band Kneecap who were recently axed from Trnsmt festival in Glasgow over safety concerns raised by Police Scotland.

The move came after calls by John Swinney to axe the hip hop act, with the First Minister saying the political rhetoric “crossed the line”.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “Our responsibility is to ensure events are safe and properly organised for people to attend.

“The licensing process will also ensure that alcohol is sold appropriately and in-line with the relevant legislation.

“If a licence applicant can meet the relevant technical and legislative requirements of an application, there is no basis to refuse that application.

“Any issues in relation to an act performing at an event are a matter for the promoter of the event.”

STV News has contacted DF Concerts, Live Nation, The SFA and Chris Brown’s representatives for comment.