UK rapper Dizzee Rascal’s Australian tour draws criticism over domestic violence history
UK rapper Dizzee Rascal’s upcoming Australian tour has attracted criticism from women’s right activists over his past domestic violence conviction.
The 41-year-old hip hop artist, born Dylan Kwabena Mills, was convicted for assaulting his former fiancee Cassandra Jones, in March 2022.
Dizzee Rascal on stage in a UK show in August this year. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The star was found guilty after he reportedly “barged” his way into Jones’ home before pushing her around the room and eventually to the floor during a heated argument.
The incident took place in Jones’ South London home in June 2021.
The british rapper will bring his We Want Bass Tour to Australia in November, with performances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
Australian Femicide Watch founder Sherele Moody said the singer, given his past conviction, should not be allowed to enter the country.
“A musician with a conviction for domestic violence will tour Australia this year,” Moody wrote in a lengthy Instagram post shared to her 195,000 followers over the weekend.
“Given the high levels of violence against women in our country, no gendered violence offender should be allowed in.”
Moody questioned Australia’s “character test” requirements when it came to visa eligibility.
The British rapper outside court in London on September 03, 2021. Dan Kitwood/Getty Image
She made note that a sentence less than 12 months doesn’t automatically prohibit entry into the country for a foreign national.
That is, unlike a prison sentence of 12 months or more which can be one basis for failing the character test, and as a result, refusal of entry, Under Section 501 of the Migration Act.
In 2022, Mills received a community order that included a 24-week curfew, and an additional 12-month restraining order prohibiting contact with Jones.
“The decision to let this man perform in Australia once again shows that no matter what a violent man does to women you’ll be forgiven,” Moody continued.
Dizzee Rascal pictured in 2009, the year his hit song Bonkers was released. Ian Gavan/Getty Images
“You’ll be given a microphone and the spotlight and you will be allowed to maintain your pedestal.
“At some point, this platforming of domestic violence perpetrators has to stop.”
It remains unclear whether Mills has been granted an Australian visa for his upcoming performances.
Nine.com.au have contacted Live Nation for comment.
In 2015, US R&B singer Chris Brown was refused from entering Australia over his history of domestic violence, including a 2009 incident involving pop megastar and then girlfriend Rihanna.
As a result, Brown cancelled his proposed Australian tour.
Mills, who is behind 2009 hit Bonkers, announced his Australian tour in July this year.
The tour is set to kick off in Perth on November 26, followed by shows in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Byron Bay, with a concert in New Zealand on December 8.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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