Wednesday 31st October 2012 by Michael Baggs | Photos by The Original Rudeboys / Facebook

Tags: The Original Rudeboys

Irish boyband The Original Rudeboys have turned down an invite to support US star Chris Brown due to his 2009 assault on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.

The band had been invited to join Brown on the bill at his O2 show in December, but have declined the invite - as their new single is about violence in relationships. The band spoke of passing on the opportunity, but say they owed it to their fans to turn it down.

"Even though it's a huge opportunity to play in the O2 with a major hip hop star and a substantial fee was offered, we are completely against Chris Brown's assault on Rihanna," says the band's ukulele player.

"In addition, with our latest single 'Blue Eyes' being about domestic violence, it goes against everything we are about as a band and supporting Chris Brown would send out the wrong message to our fans."

The band have previously supported The Script and Cheryl Cole at live shows, so are no stranger to performing alongside big name stars.

Chris Brown is reported to have invited the boyband to support him in Dublin

Chris Brown has been widely forgiven for his attack on Rihanna, but many people are not so quick to forget. Even One Direction fans were angered recently when boyband star Zayne Malik spoke of his love for the star on Twitter.

"No, definitely judging you," tweeted one fan, surprised at his support for the star, while others suggested he change his listening tastes.

"How about you abandon Chris Brown & listen to more Frank Ocean," tweeted another.

"Chris Brown makes me realize that no matter how much I mess up, I’ll be forgiven if i dye my hair blonde and get 100 tattoos," added another.

Listen to The Original Rudeboys 'Written Songs' below

Photos: Chris Brown's most offensive moments