Chris Brown — who been charged with two felonies in the alleged beating of Rihanna — has withdrawn his name from Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards ballot.
“Chris very much appreciates the support of his fans and the honor they have paid him in the way of nominations for Favorite Male Singer and Favorite Song,” his rep says in a statement. “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,” the statement concludes.
Despite an online petition (with more than 2,166 signatures) asking for Brown’s removal, a Nickelodeon representative revealed Tuesday the troubled singer would remain in contention.
Said the rep, “Like all our KCA nominees, Chris Brown was nominated by kids several months ago based on his work as a performer, and the kids who vote will ultimately decide who wins in the category.”