Challenges in the Life of Chris Brown in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Chris Brown faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Chris Brown is a highly successful American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor. Known for his blend of hip-hop and pop-influenced R&B, and versatile genre exploration, he's been dubbed the 'King of R&B' by some. His music often delves into emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown is frequently lauded for his vocal and dance prowess, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 8, 2009: Domestic violence scandal with Rihanna

On February 8, 2009, Chris Brown was involved in a domestic violence scandal with his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, leading to significant media backlash, loss of endorsements including Doublemint, and a brief ban of his songs by some music stations across the US.

June 22, 2009: Brown Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault

On June 22, 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault against Rihanna and accepted a plea deal that included community labor, five years of probation, and domestic violence counseling.

2009: Arrest and Album Release

In 2009, Chris Brown was arrested for felony assault of Rihanna and pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to five years probation with six months community service. In the same year, he released his third album, Graffiti, which was considered a commercial failure.

June 14, 2012: Scuffle with Drake at Nightclub

On June 14, 2012, Drake and his entourage were involved in a scuffle with Chris Brown at a nightclub called WIP in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. About eight people were injured during the brawl.

January 2013: Altercation with Frank Ocean

In January 2013, Chris Brown was involved in an altercation with Frank Ocean over a parking space outside a recording studio in West Hollywood. Police officers in Los Angeles said Brown was under investigation for battery, but Ocean said he would not press charges.

July 2013: Probation Revoked After Alleged Hit and Run

In July 2013, Chris Brown's probation was revoked after he was involved in an alleged hit and run in Los Angeles.

August 9, 2013: Seizure at Record Plant Studios

On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood, California, prompting a 9-1-1 call. Paramedics arrived, but Brown refused treatment and transportation to a hospital.

August 2013: Scheduled Court Reappearance

In August 2013, Chris Brown was scheduled to reappear in court to learn whether he would serve time in prison following his probation revocation.

October 2013: Arrested for Felony Assault in Washington, D.C.

In October 2013, Chris Brown was arrested for felony assault in Washington, D.C., after an incident where he punched a man who wanted to take a picture with him.

October 30, 2013: Brown Voluntarily Enters Rehab

On October 30, 2013, Chris Brown voluntarily entered rehab.

November 20, 2013: Sentenced to Anger Management Rehabilitation

On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to a three-month anger management rehabilitation program, which jeopardized the December 2013 release of his album X.

2013: Brown Sentenced to Rehab and Diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder

In 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to 90 days in rehab by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to fulfill the terms of his probation for the Rihanna incident. While at the rehab facility, Brown was formally diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2013: Brown Discusses Drug Use

In a 2014 interview with radio personality Ebro Darden, Chris Brown revealed that prior to his 2013 incarceration, he used "the syrup, the Xanax," and added that marijuana offset his hyperactive tendencies.

March 14, 2014: Brown Kicked out of Rehab and Sent to Jail

On March 14, 2014, Chris Brown was kicked out of the rehab facility and sent to Northern Neck Regional Jail for violating internal rules.

April 23, 2014: Judge Orders Brown to Remain in Rehab

After Chris Brown completed his 90 days in rehab, the judge ordered him to remain a resident at the Malibu treatment facility until a hearing on April 23, 2014. The deal was if Brown left rehab, he would go to jail.

May 9, 2014: Sentenced to Jail for Probation Violation

On May 9, 2014, Chris Brown was ordered to serve 131 days in jail for violating his probation, which led to a delay in the release of his album and the shelving of his collaboration with Ariana Grande.

2014: Brown Discusses Drug Use

April 2015: Brown's Sobriety Ends and Drug Use Increases

Around April 2015, Chris Brown had broken a 15-month stretch of sobriety and began spiraling into more frequent drug use.

June 2016: Former Manager Sues Brown for Assault

In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued for assault, false imprisonment and battery by Mike G, the singer's former manager, who alleged Brown assaulted him on May 10 of that year.

August 30, 2016: Accusation and Standoff with LAPD

On August 30, 2016, a woman accused Chris Brown of threatening her with a gun, leading to a standoff with the LAPD. Brown denied them entry initially, posted videos on Instagram denouncing the police and media coverage, and was later arrested and released on $250,000 bail.

September 1, 2016: Lawyer's Statement and Dropped Charges

On September 1, 2016, Chris Brown's lawyer stated there was no standoff and that nothing corroborated the accuser's statement. Charges were later dropped after prosecutors declined to arraign Brown on felony charges, and Brown later sued the accuser for defamation.

2016: Increased Drug Use

In the first months of 2016, Chris Brown spiraled into a more frequent drug use, including the use of cocaine, xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.

2017: Billboard Article on Brown's Mental Health and Addiction

In 2017, Billboard wrote an investigative article about Chris Brown's mental health issues and addiction.

2017: Welcome to My Life Documentary Release

In 2017, Chris Brown recalled his abusive childhood in his self-documentary film, Welcome to My Life, offering insights into his personal struggles.

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2017: Tran Granted Restraining Order Against Brown

In 2017, Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran was granted a 5-year restraining order against him by a judge in Santa Monica, California, after she shared threatening text messages and voicemails.

December 2020: Alleged Yacht Incident

In December 2020, the alleged rape incident occurred on a yacht in Miami, which led to a $20 million civil lawsuit against Chris Brown in January 2022.

January 2022: $20 Million Civil Lawsuit

In January 2022, Chris Brown faced a $20 million civil lawsuit for allegedly raping a woman on a yacht in Miami in December 2020. Brown denied the allegations and provided text messages implying a consensual relationship. He intended to counter-sue for defamation.

September 2022: "No Guidance" Lawsuit Dropped

In September 2022, the pair of songwriters who sued Chris Brown and Drake for copyright infringement on "No Guidance" dropped the lawsuit in its entirety.

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November 18, 2022: American Music Awards Cancels Michael Jackson Tribute

On November 18, 2022, Chris Brown announced that the American Music Awards had canceled his scheduled tribute performance to Michael Jackson in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1982 album Thriller for unknown reasons, prompting backlash.

June 2023: "Pills and Automobiles" Lawsuit Dropped

In June 2023, the musician who filed the copyright infringement on "Pills and Automobiles" dropped the lawsuit.

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2023: Warrant Issued Against Brown

In 2023, a warrant was issued against Chris Brown for a grievous bodily harm with intent charge related to an alleged incident at a London nightclub.

January 2025: Lawsuit Against Warner Bros.

In January 2025, Chris Brown filed a $500 million lawsuit against Warner Bros. over abuse allegations made against him in Chris Brown: A History of Violence, which aired in October 2024.