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 an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, recognized for his contributions to R&B, pop, and hip-hop music. Often dubbed the "King of R&B," his work frequently explores emotional and hedonistic themes. His vocal and dance talents have drawn comparisons to Michael Jackson, solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

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, and brief banning of his songs by some music stations.

June 22, 2009: Guilty Plea for Assault

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

2009: Guilty Plea and Graffiti Release

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

September 25, 2012: Court Appearance for Probation Violation

On September 25, 2012, Chris Brown appeared in court after testing positive for cannabis while conducting his community service in Virginia. His hearing date was changed to November to determine whether he had violated the terms of his court order.

July 2013: Probation Revoked

In July 2013, Chris Brown's probation was revoked after he was involved in an alleged hit and run in Los Angeles.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, leading to a 9-1-1 call. He refused treatment from paramedics.

August 2013: Court Reappearance

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

October 2013: Arrest for Felony Assault

In October 2013, Chris Brown was arrested for felony assault in Washington, D.C., after an incident where he refused to take a picture with a man and allegedly punched him, breaking his nose. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor.

October 30, 2013: Voluntary Entry into Rehab

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

November 20, 2013: Sentenced to Anger Management Rehab

On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to an anger management rehabilitation center for three months, which jeopardized the release of his album 'X'.

2013: Mental Health Issues and Rehab

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: Drug Addiction Revelation

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 that while marijuana offset his hyperactive tendencies, "once I started doing the lean, the other stuff … I'd be sitting in the [recording] booth sleeping."

March 14, 2014: Expulsion from Rehab and Incarceration

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

April 23, 2014: Rehab Extension and Jail Threat

On April 23, 2014, after completing 90 days in rehab, the judge ordered Chris Brown to remain a resident at the Malibu treatment facility until a hearing. The deal was that 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 his probation violation, leading to further delay of the release of his album 'X' and the unreleased collaboration with Ariana Grande.

2014: Drug Use Revelation

April 2015: Sobriety Slip and Drug Use

According to ex-members of his team, around April 2015, Chris Brown had broken a 15-month stretch of sobriety, going out on Xanax and lean, spiraling into more frequent drug use in the first months of 2016.

June 2016: Lawsuit by Former Manager

In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued for assault, false imprisonment, and battery by Mike G, his former manager.

August 30, 2016: Accusation and Standoff with LAPD

On August 30, 2016, Chris Brown was accused of threatening a woman with a gun, leading to a standoff with the LAPD at his house after he refused entry without a warrant. Brown posted videos on Instagram denying the accusations and criticizing the police and media coverage.

September 1, 2016: Lawyer Statement and Dropped Charges

On September 1, 2016, Chris Brown's lawyer stated there was no standoff and evidence did not support the accuser's claims, leading to charges being dropped. Brown later sued the accuser for defamation and won the lawsuit.

2016: Drug Use

According to what ex-members of his team told Billboard around April 2015, Chris Brown had broken a 15-month stretch of sobriety, going out on Xanax and lean, spiraling into a more frequent drug use in the first months of 2016. Former members of Brown's team also told Billboard that he was using cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.

2017: Billboard Article on Mental Health and Addiction

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

2017: Release of Welcome to My Life Documentary

In 2017, Chris Brown released a self-documentary film titled Welcome to My Life, where he discussed his experiences with domestic violence as a child.

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2017: Restraining Order Granted to Karrueche Tran

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 text messages and voicemails in court where Brown threatened her.

December 2020: Alleged Rape Incident

In December 2020, the event that led to the lawsuit against Chris Brown occurred in Miami, where he allegedly raped a woman on a yacht.

January 2022: $20 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Brown

In January 2022, Chris Brown was sued for $20 million for allegedly raping a woman on a yacht in Miami in December 2020. Brown denied the allegations.

August 2022: Lawsuit Dismissed

In August 2022, the judge dismissed the $20 million lawsuit against Chris Brown due to a lack of prosecution by the plaintiff. The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be reinstated under proper legal grounds.