Chris Brown's Concert Promoter Hit With $3,600,000 Lawsuit Over Cancelled Australia And New Zealand Concerts

Chris Brown

Chris Brown's promoter, Castor and Ford Agency Pty Ltd, has been hit with a $3,600,000 (2,700,000 U.S. Dollars) lawsuit in Australia, filed by Westgate Entertainment Pty Ltd, over his cancelled concert series. Brown announced tour dates in Australia and New Zealand and began selling tickets, but unadvisedly did so before obtaining a visa. 

This was a significant financial risk, as Brown is a felon from the Rihanna domestic violence case. Protesters demanded the governments block Brown's entry into Australia and New Zealand, rendering him unable to obtain visas. Brown filed an appeal, which was also denied. Brown and another concert promoter have been sued in the Philippines for cancelling a New Years eve show and keeping the $1,000,000 a church group paid as a deposit.

Brown's business is not being handled correctly. The concert cancellations will make it far more difficult for Brown to obtain the necessary touring insurance. It will also increase Brown's insurance premiums. There is also the risk it will make other concert promoters less inclined to work with him, costing him millions of dollars in revenue.

STORY SOURCE
 

Chris Brown Australian tour cancellation sparks $3.6m lawsuit
 

6:02 pm March 31, 2016 - 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... 

http://www.9news.com.au

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Chris Brown and back up dancer caught mid-dance and made to look delicate in a poster used at a lesbian night club that allegedly offended the star

R&B singer Chris Brown is embroiled in a financial dispute with lesbian concert promoter Traxx Girls, who arrange performances by entertainers at local gay clubs in Atlanta, Georgia. Traxx Girls company representative, Melissa Scott, went public with the claim Brown was booked to perform at a lesbian club in Atlanta, but refused to take the stage when he noticed a few gay men in the crowd.

Brown is also accused of stating the club needs to remove a poster of him that was taken during another performance, catching him mid-dance looking not as tough as he usually does during shows and interviews. Brown's back-up dancer looked like he was grabbing his nipples in the photo as well, due to the angle the photo was taken and the timing. The photo/still from the performance was chosen to appeal to gay audience.

Scott stated in an interview, "I think it's unfortunate for mainstream artists to take people's money with the complete prior knowledge what the event is and being very clear about what the event is about. I am completely baffled. You know it's gay pride. You knew you agreed when you sent the contract in and took the money."

Brown for his part is denying the whole thing. In a series of tweets on Twitter, Brown stated, "The show was never confirmed by any of my people. So I apologize if the fans wanted me there." Brown needs new management. This is the second time in less than a year that he has failed to show up at an event and it led to a dispute. Brown and his concert promoter were recently detained in the Philippines for failing to appear at a New Years Eve concert in 2014, after accepting $1,000,000 and not returning the money.

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Chris Brown Responds to Accusation He Skipped Out On Atlanta Gay Pride Concert

Monday, September 7, 2015 -  The city was buzzing with excitement this weekend. Singer Chris Brown was set to perform live during an Atlanta gay pride event.

But then the news broke that Brown was a no-show for his scheduled performance at the Georgia Freight Depot nightclub. Lesbian party promoter Melissa Scott told the GA Voice she was “baffled” that the guest of honor was a no-show...

http://sandrarose.com

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As Floyd Mayweather And Manny Pacquiao Announce Their Retirement Who Will Be Boxing's Next Big Stars

 There Are So Many Great Up And Coming Fighters In Each Weight Class

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather

The wealthiest boxer in the world, America's Floyd Mayweather, has announced his fight against Haitian-American, Andre Berto, will be his last match. Similarly, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has announced he will retire next year to focus on becoming president of his native Philippines. Mayweather and Pacquiao took boxing new new heights, transforming the sport for this generation. With the two most famous, active boxers in the world retiring, who will be the sport's next superstars.

There are so many prospects the possibilities are endless. Boxing's future success will depend on the creativity and industriousness of not only active pugilists, but powerhouse promoters willing to stage amazing fights. Not necessarily expensive fights, but great match ups of fighters people on social networking ask to see in bouts. At the end of the day, you have to give the people what they want. People like thrilling fights and skilled boxers with distinct personalities. Characters are fun (so long as it doesn't get out of control).

The more competitive promoters become worldwide the better things will be for the sport. There is room for everyone and many fights can be made. There are great promoters in America, Britain, Mexico, Germany and the Ukraine. However, they will have to work together and in a manner that benefits everyone. It is up to you to get the boxers out there and into the mainstream, which means more worldwide television, print and internet interviews. Get them out there, so the mainstream public can get to know them. It shouldn't only be boxing fans who can name notable boxers. It should be common knowledge among the public.

Side Bar: Will Mayweather and Pacquiao's sons step into the ring. Their sons are in their teens and grew up in the boxing industry.

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Chris Brown Is Still Facing $1,000,000 Fraud Criminal Case In The Philippines

Chris Brown

Reports from the Philippines indicate singer Chris Brown is still in trouble, after being detained for 3-days in Manila on a fraud complaint. Brown failed to make a concert in the Philippines that was scheduled to take place in December 2014, in the 55-000 seat Philippine arena. Iglesia Ni Cristo (The Church of Christ) paid a deposit to secure Brown's services for the December 31, 2014 show, but he did not make it, as he was unable to obtain a U.S. passport to leave America as a convicted felon on probation, due to the Rihanna domestic violence arrest. Brown's probation ended in February 2015. Brown's manager did not return the deposit, nor did his promoter.

The Justice Department in the Philippines has issued a subpoena against Brown and his promoter, John Michael Pio Roda, of Canada. Brown was allowed to leave the Philippines to continue his tour, but Pio Roda was not and is still being detained to answer the $1,000,000 estefa criminal case. Pio Roda was illegally working in the Philippines without a work permit. After the case is over, he will likely be deported.

Coincidentally, the Canadian government also barred Brown from Canada as a felon, forcing him to cancel a string of shows. Brown is also banned from Britain due to his felon status in America. When working with a celebrity who has a criminal record, managers and promoters must check with immigration in each nation to see whether they will allow them into their country. It is unwise to book dates without doing so, as it can result in a massive legal mess, financial losses, damaged reputations and disappointed fans.

The Philippines Justice Department informed Brown and his promoter in legal documents, "In connection with the above-mentioned complaint, by virtue of the authority vested by law, you are hereby directed to obtain, personally or through your representative, copies of the complaint, supporting affidavits and other evidence submitted by the complainant on 31 July 2015, 2 p.m., You or your representative are/is likewise entitled to examine all other evidence submitted by complainants on the date and time herein specified...."

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DOJ issues subpoena vs. Chris Brown, promoter

July 28, 2015 3:23pm - The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena against American R&B singer Chris Brown and his Canadian promoter John Michael Pio Roda over a US$1-million estafa complaint filed by the administrator of the Philippine Arena. "In connection with the above-mentioned complaint, by virtue of the authority vested by law, you are hereby directed to obtain, personally or through your representative, copies of the complaint, supporting affidavits and other evidence submitted by the complainant on 31 July 2015, 2 p.m.," read the subpoena issued by Assistant State Prosecutor Christine Marie Buencamino.

"You or your representative are/is likewise entitled to examine all other evidence submitted by complainants on the date and time herein specified," it added. The DOJ prosecutor "warned" Brown and Pio Roda that their failure to comply with the subpoena "shall be considered as a waiver of your right to be furnished copies of the complaints, supporting affidavits and other documents, as well as to examine all other evidence submitted by the complaint."...

Pio Roda, meanwhile, was left behind and detained after being found to be working without a permit. He was also accused of absconding due to the botched US$1-million contract for the New Year's concert last December. The Bureau of Immigration said unlike Roda, Brown could not be held liable for absconding because the Iglesia ni Cristo, which organized the concert event, was only directly dealing with the promoter and not with the singer...

http://www.gmanetwork.com

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Floyd Mayweather’s Promoter Sued By Manny Pacquiao's Promoter For $100,000,000 Alleging Bribery, Sabotage, Monopoly And Antitrust Practices

The Gloves Come Off

Al Haymon (center) and Floyd Mayweather (right)

Bob Arum, the promoter of boxer, Manny Pacquiao, under the Top Rank company, has sued, Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions. Haymon is a promoter and manager for the world's highest paid boxer, Floyd Mayweather, among other top pugilists. Haymon used to be a top music promoter in the entertainment industry, responsible for many lucrative R&B and rap concerts in the 1980s and 1990s.

Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao

Arum is accusing Haymon of engaging in a boxing monopoly, anti-trust violations and sabotaging other promoters and boxers, as well as issuing payola type bribes in the sport. Recently, Haymon launched the Premier Boxing Champions series on the NBC network in America, allowing the public watch boxing matches for free, features stars such as Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter. However, another top boxing promotions company, Golden Boy, also sued Hayon alleging the very same thing - he is running a monopoly and violating U.S. anti-trust laws.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

In all honesty, I have been enjoying the Premier Boxing Champions show on NBC. It is interesting and entertaining. However, if Top Rank and Golden Boy lay out sufficient evidence of a monopoly and anti-trust violations, with the matter properly proven and it reaches the SEC and FTC, Haymon could face charges and a whopping fine from the government. At the end of the day, we all want a clean fight inside and outside the ring.

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Al Haymon Sued by Top Rank Promotions: Latest Details and Reaction

July 1, 2015 - Embattled Premier Boxing Champions promoter Al Haymon is readying for another legal battle, as Top Rank Promotions filed a lawsuit against him Wednesday. Attorneys at Kramer, Levin, Naftalis and Frankel representing Haymon released a statement regarding the Top Rank lawsuit, (via Wil Esco at BadLeftHook.com).

The lawsuit filed today (Wednesday) by Bob Arum and Top Rank is entirely without merit and is a cynical attempt by boxing's old guard to use the courts to undermine the accessibility, credibility and exposure of boxing that the sport so desperately needs. "The Premier Boxing Champions series makes boxing free again, by bringing championship boxing to free TV, with a fighter-first promise and a commitment to the fans to restore boxing to the luster of its heyday. The continued success of this effort will far outlast this baseless lawsuit.

Haymon has become arguably the most prominent promoter and manager in boxing in recent years, but Bob Arum and Top Rank Promotions are looking to put a stop to that. According to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, Top Rank is suing Haymon for more than $100 million in damages due to the notion that he is attempting to create a boxing monopoly by taking on multiple roles...

The lawsuit also claims Haymon is intentionally losing money for now in order to gain the upper hand over other promotions. In order to stifle legitimate promoters from competing against PBC, Haymon has obtained exclusivity commitments from broadcasters. Between these predatory 'payola' payments and the expenses of promoting each televised match, Haymon and Waddell & Reed are operating at a significant short-term loss in the millions of dollars. This 'loss leader' strategy ... has allowed Haymon to gain unfair advantage in the promoter market to the severe detriment of legitimate competitors like Top Rank...

Such accusations are nothing new for Haymon, who was sued by Golden Boy Promotions for $300 million in May due to alleged violations of antitrust laws, according to ESPN.com's Dan Rafael. Haymon was also accused by California Boxing Commission Commissioner John Frierson of sabotaging other promoters by reserving both the Forum and the Staples Center in Los Angeles in an effort to prevent competition from holding events, per Ivan G. Goldman of BoxingInsider.com...

http://bleacherreport.com

Floyd Mayweather's Trainer Puts May 2, 2015 Manny Pacquiao Fight In Doubt (Video)

  

Alex Ariza, one of the trainers of undefeated boxer, Floyd Mayweather, did an interview with the Fight Hype website, casting doubt on a May 2, 2015 fight against champion pugilist, Manny Pacquiao. Ariza stated, "We're fighting May 2 but it's not going to be Manny Pacquiao. As soon as we get rid of him (Bob Arum), we can get it on." 

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

Bob Arum is Manny Pacquiao's promoter, Mayweather takes great exception to in every way. However, it should not prevent the fight from happening. Business is business. Many people all over the world do business with people they dislike, but keep it formal and about the financial transactions. Fans are upset at this latest announcement. People are stating Mayweather is ducking Pacquiao out of fear he will receive his first loss in the ring at his hands. This is not good for Mayweather's boxing legacy.

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It’s Time To Rumble

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

Floyd Mayweather announced he will retire this year and only has two fights left. The pugilist everyone wants to see him fight is Manny Pacquiao. However, there have been problems in making this happen. Mayweather’s side cites Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum and refusal to comply with random drug testing as the reason. Pacquiao denies the claims, stating he offered to submit to random drug testing for performance enhancing drugs. 

Manny Pacquiao calls out Floyd Mayweather on Twitter over what would be a well-matched fight

Mayweather is not fond of Arum, whose deal with Pacquiao is set to expire shortly. The two appear to be at an impasse. However, undefeated Mayweather stated last month that he is willing to fight Pacquiao, who believes he is scared he will be handed his first loss in the ring. Will 2015 be the year Mayweather v. Pacquiao finally happens. Stay tuned…

The Bigger Boxer Doesn't Always Win (Video)

 

Mike Tyson

Everyone's heard stories of the little guy triumphing against the big one. It's an age old tale that gives the underdog encouragement. It is true in boxing as well. People tend to look at potential fights and assume the bigger boxer will win, but that is not always the case.

Take for example, former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring. In his prime Tyson beat men who were bigger and taller. He did so with purpose, accuracy and precision. Legendary boxing trainer, the late Cus D'Amato, famously stunted Tyson's growth as a teen, by making him jog with heavy weights on his back that were placed inside a bookbag. As a result, Tyson is shorter than many of his peers at 5'10. 

David Haye v Nikolay Valuev WBA World Heavyweight Championship in 2009 

Another fine example of this is the fight David Haye v Nikolay Valuev for the WBA Heavyweight title. On paper, the casual observer would assume 7-foot 320 pound Valuev would beat smaller, but still big opponent, Haye, who is 6'3 and weighs 235 pounds, but the find did not turn out that way. 

Valuev, who was a worthy and skilled opponent, who is now retired, but to date only has 2 losses in 53 fights, was outclassed by his smaller rival, Haye, another pugilist with a great record. Haye put on a masterful performance feverishly circling Valuev the entire fight, landing accurate and effective shots. It was a masterclass and one of my favorite fights.

Haye's defensive skills during the fight were so good, that he was elusive, consistently evading shots that could have resulted in a knockout from towering Valuev. The fight was billed "David vs. Goliath" and it certainly lived up to its name with David winning.  

 

Stills from Haye v. Valuev 

 

In closing, if your opponent is bigger than you are, it does not mean they will win the fight. Great defensive skills (head movement and footwork) coupled with clean, accurate shots can win the fight. 

At the end of the day to be a great, well rounded boxer, especially in the heavyweight division, you must be an effective power puncher with great footwork/head movement (defensive skills). You cannot just focus on one aspect of your boxing game, you must master them all. It means more time training, but that's a sacrifice you have to make if you want to win. 

David Haye won the title

Side Bar: Mike Tyson was on the television show "The View" this week and he stated he doesn't miss getting into the ring, due to the nervousness and anxiety it created, coupled with the damage it did to his personal relationships from working all the time. Tyson still loves boxing though and is now a promoter.