Chris Brown is suing the producers and network that aired the ‘A History of Violence’ docuseries, claiming that the docuseries is full of lies and has damaged his reputation
Chris Brown is taking legal action against the producers of Investigation Discovery’s “Chris Brown: A History of Violence” docuseries, claiming it’s riddled with falsehoods.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the singer alleges Warner Bros. Discovery, Ample, and other individuals involved in the series promoted and published defamatory claims about him, despite allegedly being given “proof” that their narrative was incorrect.
Brown insists that the Jane Doe at the heart of the docuseries has been repeatedly discredited, and emphasises that he has never been found guilty “of any sex related crime”, criticising the docuseries for branding him “a serial rapist and a sexual abuser.”
He argues that they based the docuseries largely on a lawsuit Jane Doe filed against him, adding that she later withdrew the suit because it was full of lies.
The singer accuses the producers and Jane Doe of ignoring facts to tarnish his reputation, which he says he’s spent over a decade rebuilding.
Brown admits he’s taken responsibility for his “past mistakes” – including the physical assault on ex-girlfriend Rihanna – and has learned from them, and lambasts ‘A History of Violence’ producers for perpetuating an outdated narrative for fame and fortune.
Brown states that the docuseries has directly affected him, damaging his reputation, career, and business opportunities. As a result, he’s seeking $500 million in damages, a portion of which he plans to donate to victims of sexual abuse if awarded.
The documentary aired on the same network that released the groundbreaking Quiet on Set documentary that looked into alleged abuse on the sets of Nickelodeon shows. One reference made in the documentary features on a 2002 sexual assault lawsuit Brown faced. The suit, in which the singer was alleged to have raped a woman on a yacht. The lawsuit was later dropped in the same year.
Elsewhere in the documentary, there is a testimony from another anonymous person who alleges they are a victim. The person involved isn’t thought to have come forward with the allegations publicly prior to the show. Brown was first arrested in 2009 for assaulting Rihanna, who he was dating at the time. He pled guilty to felony assault and was given a plea deal of community labor, five years probation, and domestic violence counselling.
After the premiere of the show, a discussion episode will be hosted by Sunny Hostin. It will feature experts and advocates for intimate partner violence. In a statement, Hostin said: “Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me as I reflect on my past as a prosecutor of these types of cases, and in my role as a mother and public figure whose actions inform and help shape the next generation.
“This issue is a prevalent epidemic which knows no socio-economic boundaries, so I am dedicated to expanding and continuing this crucial conversation. The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society.”
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247
