American singer Chris Brown's tour to both New Zealand and Australia this month will not be taking place.
In a statement, his promoter says the 26-year-old wishes to express his "deepest gratitude" to his fans for their support, and looks forward to "a successful tour in the near future".
Immigration New Zealand classified him as ineligible to enter the country due to his conviction of felony assault in the United States for an attack on then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in 2009.
However, he applied for a New Zealand visa in November. It is unclear if his visa was the reason for cancellation of his shows.
Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse didn't have any details about Brown's visa status.
"You'd have to ask Chris Brown or his agents that. I understand he lodged an application then withdrew it but I've had no advice about the whys or wherefores," he said today.
The conviction caused a stir amongst Kiwi MPs this year, with anti-domestic violence campaigners and Minister for Women Louise Upston against his visit.
"Chris Brown has made his decision, he's made those decisions for his reasons. Those reasons we're unaware of but the position remains the same - if we're going to look for role models to talk about domestic violence, we should be looking to ourselves," says Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox.
"I don't think that Chris Brown is the best person to be delivering a message about domestic violence."
Others supported Brown's visit with hopes he could promote a strong anti-violence message.
Dame Tariana Turia, former co-leader of the Maori Party, supported Brown's visit, believing he would speak on his past and prompt young fans to think seriously about domestic violence.
"Of course people can change; Tariana Turia absolutely has a point about that. If it's up to me, and I'm going to be directing my children to have role models to emulate, it wouldn't be Chris Brown," says Ms Fox.
"Celebrities, along with any other person should not be above the law. The law is for everyone."
In September, Brown was offered a place to stay by the spokesperson for the Maori King, Tukoroirangi Morgan.
"If he's able to get access into the country, we would be seriously interested in hosting him," Mr Morgan said.
However the King's office reportedly did not support the invitation the next day.
The singer was barred touring Britain in 2010 and Canada in February.
He last performed in New Zealand in 2008.
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