Brown removes name from Kids’ Choice ballot

updated 2:16 p.m. ET March 11, 2009

NEW YORK - There won’t be any awkward Chris Brown moment at the Kids’ Choice Awards — the embattled pop star has withdrawn his name from the ballot.

Brown had been nominated for favorite male singer and favorite song for “Kiss Kiss” at the March 28 awards show on Nickelodeon. The nominations came shortly before his arrest for allegedly attacking girlfriend and fellow pop star Rihanna.

A petition had been circulated to take his name off the ballot, but Nickelodeon said on Tuesday he would remain on it. But with the backlash against him still strong, on Wednesday, Brown decided to take his name out of consideration.

“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,” read the 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.”

On Wednesday, the network said in a statement that it agrees with and respects his decision to bow out.

Brown was charged with two felonies last week for allegedly attacking Rihanna on Feb. 8, hours before both stars were to appear at the Grammys. Both stars bowed out and he was arrested later that evening.

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