Chris Brown cancels shows, claims Canada denied him entry

The R&B performer’s criminal record may have played a part, indicate immigration officials; Brown can reapply at a later date

Artist Chris Brown tweeted on Tuesday that he had been denied entry into Canada and that his concerts in Montreal and Toronto had been cancelled.

The Grammy-winning R&B singer was scheduled to perform at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Tuesday and the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Wednesday night.

In his tweet, Brown said: “The good people of the Canadian government wouldn’t allow me entry. I’ll be back this summer and will hopefully see all my Canadian fans!”

Brown was jailed for nearly three months last year for violating his probation by getting into an altercation outside a Washington hotel the previous year. He was on probation after he attacked pop singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend, before the 2009 Grammy Awards.

Nicole Perna, a spokeswoman for Brown, confirmed Canadian immigration officials denied him entry. Perna said Brown can apply to return at a later date and plans to do so. Live Nation, the promoter, said in a statement that “due to immigration issues” the shows have been cancelled and refunds are available at the point of purchase.

In 2010, the United Kingdom denied Brown entry into the country, forcing him to miss four shows. The British government’s Home Office said then that Brown had been refused a visa because of his past criminal record.

Stephane Malepart, a spokesman for Canada Border Services, said the country’s privacy act prevents him from commenting on any individual case, but said several factors are used in determining admissibility, including involvement in criminal activity.