New Documentary Revisits Chris Brown’s Abuse Against Rihanna and Several Other Women
Chris Brown’s past is once again in the spotlight with a new documentary, Chris Brown: A History of Violence, which premiered on Investigation Discovery on October 27. The film delves into disturbing allegations against the R&B singer, including well-known incidents as well as recent accusations. The documentary is a part of Investigation Discovery’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It presents a stark examination of Brown’s tumultuous life, his public persona, and the troubling accusations that have surrounded him for over a decade.
From his meteoric rise as the next Michael Jackson to a shocking assault on Rihanna in 2009, A History of Violence uncovers Brown’s complex and controversial career.
Many recall the widely publicized assault against Rihanna, which left fans horrified after TMZ leaked graphic images of the injuries she sustained. According to the police report, Rihanna said Brown repeatedly punched her, choked her until she was nearly unconscious, and even threatened to kill her. Brown ultimately pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to five years probation and community service.
However, the documentary reveals that the pattern of alleged abuse didn’t end with Rihanna. Karrueche Tran, who dated Brown from 2010 to 2015, was eventually granted a five-year restraining order against him. The model alleged that Brown threatened to kill her, hit her, and pushed her down a flight of stairs.
Brown’s former manager, Michael Guirguis, also took legal action, suing him for assault, false imprisonment, and battery. The documentary showcases other violent outbursts, such as the time he smashed his mother’s car windows during a rehab stint for anger management and broke a window on Good Morning America’s set.
In addition to physical altercations, the documentary details a series of sexual assault allegations against the singer. In 2020, a woman identified as Jane Doe claimed Brown drugged and raped her aboard Sean “Diddy” Combs’s yacht. Doe alleged that Brown initially seemed friendly, but her memory became hazy after he handed her a drink. She recalled feeling drowsy before Brown led her to a bedroom and allegedly assaulted her. In 2022, she filed a lawsuit for $20 million, but the case was dismissed due to “lack of prosecution.”
Legal experts and domestic violence advocates in the film raise questions about why it has taken so long for people to acknowledge Brown’s behavior.
As Chris Brown: A History of Violence paints a damning picture of his violent history, it raises questions about accountability and celebrity culture. Whether this documentary will impact Brown’s career or bring about a broader conversation on accountability in the music industry remains to be seen.
