Chris Brown has withdrawn his name from the Kids' Choice awards ballot, saying that the controversy over his suitability had "shifted the focus from the music". More than 10,000 fans had signed an online petition asking the Nickelodeon TV network to strike Brown's name from the awards ceremony.
Brown's song Kiss Kiss had been nominated for favourite song, with the 19-year-old himself up for the award for favourite male singer.
"Chris very much appreciates the support of his fans and the honour they have paid him in the way of nominations," his representative said in a statement yesterday. "Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding the incident last month has shifted the focus from the music to whether he should be allowed to be among those nominated. While Chris would like to speak to his fans directly about this and other issues, pending legal proceedings preclude his doing so at this time. Once the matter before him has been resolved, he intends to do so."
Nickelodeon confirmed that Brown had withdrawn his name and said that they "agree with and respect his decision".
The antipathy towards Brown relates to his being charged after an incident on 8 February in which he is alleged to have attacked his girlfriend, the singer Rihanna. Brown will be back in court on 6 April and faces up to four years in prison if found guilty.
The petition had also asked for Rihanna to be dropped from the Kids' Choice awards, condemning her reported reconciliation with Brown. "While we don't think public figures are expected to always act responsibly in the name of being a role model, this situation is unacceptable on both sides," the petition said. For the moment, Rihanna is still nominated in the category for favourite female singer.
The awards ceremony takes place 28 March.