Chris Brown Australian tour cancellation sparks $3.6m lawsuit

Legal action against US singer Chris Brown's Australian concert promoter has begun in Melbourne over last year's cancelled tour.

The 26-year-old singer cancelled both his Australian and New Zealand tours after he was refused a visa to enter Australia in late 2015 on character grounds.

There was a groundswell of support for a petition that called on the government to block the R&B star from visiting the country because he was convicted in 2009 of assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna.

A writ filed in the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday by Westgate Entertainment Pty Ltd against Castor and Ford Agency Pty Ltd (CAFA)claims it is owed more than $3.6 million.

Court documents say an agreement between Westgate and CAFA was reached in June 2015, which would see Westgate contribute 50 per cent of all expenses and costs associated with the tour.

Under that deal Westgate would be repaid that money in full and also receive 50 per cent of tour profits.

More than $2.6 million was paid by Westgate before the December concerts were cancelled, the writ says.

Westgate, who brought big names to Australia including Snoop Dogg, claims it also loaned CAFA $1 million advance in September 2015 - bringing their total claim to more than $3.6 million plus interest and legal costs.

CAFA, based in Melbourne, has 10 days to respond.