Despite an online petition with more than 2,166 signatures demanding his removal from the Kids Choice Awards’ “Favorite Male Singer and Favorite Song” category, Nickeloedeon had refused to remove Chris Brown’s name — until he voluntarily withdrew his own name yesterday. His rep said in a statement:

“Chris very much appreciates the support of his fans and the honor they have paid him in the way of nominations… 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.”

In response to the public outcry against Nickelodeon, their rep released the following statement:

“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.”

So Nickolodeon now stands behind teen pregnancy and domestic abuse? Well, good for them! This oughta open the door for a whole lot of new sponsors, including Skoal smokeless tobacco and Freedom Home brand double-wide trailers. There’s big money in that there Nascar demographic!