Controversial religious leader Brian Tamaki has extended an invitation for troubled pop star Chris Brown to visit his Destiny Church in New Zealand.
The 'Kiss Kiss' singer may not be granted permission to enter the country due to his history of violent offences, most notably a savage assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.
Tamaki joins the likes of Dame Tariana Turia and Tainui leaders in supporting Brown's visit, believing he is a changed man who can help spread a positive message against domestic violence.
In a short video released to media (above), Tamaki refers to Brown's offences as "so-called violence" and emphasises the need for accepting people's mistakes.
"All of us make those mistakes - and with Chris Brown, I believe he should be given the opportunity to prove that he has reformed or begun the process [of reform]," says Tamaki.
"We talk about reforming people's lives - especially from this type of domestic violence. How can they get an opportunity to believe that they can change to be better people if society continually berates them and shuts the door on them.
"I am one here now that supports the actual fact of Chris Brown coming. After all, we've got nothing to lose - except that maybe it could turn out to be the right choice; and that he does prove that he can do it."
Tamaki wants Brown to participate in Destiny Church's 'Man Up' social program while he is in New Zealand, asking the singer to share his life story with followers. The church says it hopes he would take the opportunity to share about the serious impact violence has on individuals and families, and the repercussions his actions have caused him.
Destiny Church will also be writing a letter of support to accompany Chris Brown's application to Immigration New Zealand.
Tickets for Brown's December 18 show at Auckland's Vector Arena are on sale. If he isn't allowed into New Zealand, fans have been promised a full refund.
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