GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- Organizers say American R&B star Chris Brown has cancelled a stadium concert in Guyana after local protests over his 2009 beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna.

Brown was billed to headline a Dec. 26 show. But he drew the ire of women's rights groups and opposition lawmakers who said Brown would not be welcome in Guyana three years after his assault of Barbadian superstar Rihanna.

Concert promoter Hits & Jams Entertainment said Thursday that Brown backed out, citing discomfort with the protests.

In 2009, Brown hit, choked and bit Rihanna during an argument in Los Angeles. He later pleaded guilty to assault.

Since then, Brown has worked to repair his image, undergoing violence counselling and putting out a new album. He has a duet with Rihanna on her recently released record.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 23, 2012 D2