TLDR:
- Chris Brown is the subject of a new Investigation Discovery documentary “A History of Violence” premiering October 27, 2024
- Jane Doe alleges Brown drugged and raped her on Diddy Combs’s yacht in 2020
- Documentary explores multiple abuse allegations spanning 15 years, including Rihanna assault and Karrueche Tran restraining order
- Brown’s attorneys deny allegations as “malicious and false”
- Despite controversies, Brown maintains celebrity status as second-most followed male artist on Instagram
A new Investigation Discovery documentary “Chris Brown: A History of Violence” premiering October 27, 2024, brings to light fresh allegations against the R&B singer, including a previously unreported rape accusation aboard Sean “Diddy” Combs’s yacht.
The documentary, part of the network’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign, chronicles Brown’s trajectory from rising star to controversial figure. Starting with his early career as a promising talent compared to Michael Jackson, the narrative quickly shifts to the infamous 2009 assault on singer Rihanna.
Police reports and photographs from the Rihanna incident revealed severe injuries, with Brown eventually pleading guilty to felony assault. He received five years probation and community service. Following a brief reconciliation facilitated by Diddy, the couple separated permanently.
The documentary introduces new allegations from a Jane Doe who claims Brown drugged and raped her in 2020. According to her testimony, the incident occurred on Diddy Combs’s yacht in Miami. She describes feeling disoriented after accepting drinks from Brown, who allegedly led her to a bedroom where the assault took place.
Legal records show Brown has faced multiple accusations over the years. His ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran obtained a five-year restraining order, citing physical abuse and death threats. Other incidents include property damage at a rehabilitation facility and the Good Morning America studio.
Former manager Michael Guirguis filed lawsuits alleging assault and battery. Brown was found guilty in a separate case involving an unprovoked attack that broke a man’s nose. Recently, he faces allegations of orchestrating a group assault at his Texas concert.
Court documents reveal Brown’s diagnosed conditions of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite these challenges, his career has shown resilience. During his “11:11 Tour” in June 2024, Brown openly joked about attempts to have him “blackballed.”
The Jane Doe case was dismissed “without prejudice” in 2022, though her attorney Ariel Mitchell-Kidd continues to support her claims. The accuser states she received death threats after filing her $20 million lawsuit but chose to speak out to “shed light on what really happened.”
Liziane Gutierrez appears in the documentary describing a 2016 incident where she alleges Brown gave her a black eye in a Las Vegas hotel room. The case was settled out of court. The documentary also revisits a 2019 Paris detention for alleged rape, though that investigation was later dropped.
Another case from 2017 involved claims of sexual assault at Brown’s residence, though not by Brown himself. The lawsuit, which alleged an unsafe environment, reached an out-of-court settlement.
The documentary features commentary from legal experts and domestic violence specialists. Criminal defense attorney Freddy Sayegh notes Brown’s “15-year history of nearly every year of his life being involved in reported violence.”
Despite these controversies, Brown maintains substantial popularity. He ranks as the second-most followed male artist on Instagram, and his concerts continue to sell out.
Attorney Sunny Hostin expresses surprise at how the Rihanna assault seems forgotten by younger generations. She recounts a recent incident where teenagers attending Brown’s concert were unaware of his past.
Brown’s legal team maintains that the allegations presented in the documentary are “malicious and false.” Representatives for Brown have not responded to additional requests for comment.
The documentary premieres Sunday, October 27, at 9 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, addressing these allegations while examining patterns of reported behavior spanning more than a decade.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
