Chris Brown Focus Of New ID Domestic Violence Documentary
Chris Brown became known as R&B’s bad boy after his 2009 arrest for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Now, the singer is the focus of Investigation Discovery’s (ID) upcoming documentary, Chris Brown: A History of Violence, which will kick off the network’s third annual “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign on Oct. 27, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The documentary will explore Brown’s extensive history of assault charges, allegations of sexual misconduct, and patterns of violent behavior both publicly and privately. The film features a narrator who says in the trailer, “Chris Brown’s an amazing and talented musician, but let’s call a thing a thing. He’s an abuser of women. Consistently, unapologetically.” In addition, a new anonymous accuser comes forward in the 97-second preview.
In 2009, Brown was accused of physically assaulting Rihanna, leaving her with injuries serious enough to require hospitalization. Brown eventually turned himself in, pleaded guilty to felony assault, and was sentenced to probation, community service, and domestic violence counseling.
Since that time, Brown has been involved in numerous public altercations, including a restraining order filed by another ex-girlfriend, who presented threatening messages as evidence in court. The 2009 incident with Rihanna has loomed over his career, and while Brown has addressed it on multiple occasions, such as referring to it as his “deepest regret” in 2013 and calling himself a “monster” in a 2017 documentary, he has also defended himself, saying last year that those who still hold it against him can “kiss his f—ing a–.”
Despite these statements, Brown continues to face accusations of violence and assault. In 2013, he was involved in a fight with singer Frank Ocean, though no charges were filed. That same year, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for assaulting a man who requested a photo. In 2016, his former manager sued him for assault and false imprisonment, a case that was settled out of court. In 2018, Brown was accused of involvement in a sexual assault at his home, but the case was dismissed.
He was detained in Paris in 2019 in connection with an aggravated rape allegation, and in 2022 was sued for an alleged rape in Miami. Both cases were dropped. Most recently, in July, Brown was sued for $50 million by four men who claimed they were assaulted backstage at a concert by Brown and his entourage. An attorney for Brown denied that the singer initiated any physical contact.
According to the documentary’s producers, “With expert and cultural commentary layered throughout, the documentary provides thoughtful reflections into each survivor’s experience and the psychological destruction in the aftermath of their abuse.”
As part of the No Excuse for Abuse campaign, The View co-host Sunny Hostin will moderate a discussion with experts and advocates about intimate partner violence following the film’s premiere.
Hostin shared her personal connection to the issue, saying, “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.”
In a related upcoming project, Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was recently arrested on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, will be the focus of an ID docuseries scheduled for release in 2025.