Life is full of challenges, and Chris Brown faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Christopher Maurice Brown is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor, often dubbed the "King of R&B." His music, which blends pop, hip hop, and R&B, explores emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown's talent has drawn comparisons to Michael Jackson, particularly regarding his singing and dancing abilities.
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, which led to significant backlash, loss of endorsements, and radio stations briefly banning his songs.
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June 22, 2009: Guilty plea to felony assault
On June 22, 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault against Rihanna, accepting a plea deal that included community labor, five years of probation, and domestic violence counseling.
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December 8, 2009: Release of "Graffiti" Album
On December 8, 2009, Chris Brown released his album "Graffiti", which marked a new artistic direction where he managed the artistic direction and wrote all the songs, which was met with negative reviews.
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2009: Guilty Plea for Felony Assault
In 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault of singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend, resulting in a sentence of five years probation and six months of community service. He also released his third album, 'Graffiti', which was not commercially successful.
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June 14, 2012: Scuffle with Drake at nightclub
On June 14, 2012, Chris Brown was involved in a scuffle with Drake and his entourage at a New York City nightclub, resulting in injuries to several people, including Tony Parker.
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September 25, 2012: Court appearance for potential probation violation
On September 25, 2012, Chris Brown appeared in court after testing positive for cannabis while conducting his community service in Virginia, with his hearing date changed to November to determine if he violated his court order.
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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, with police investigating Brown for battery.
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July 2013: Probation revoked after alleged hit and run
In July 2013, Chris Brown's probation was revoked following an alleged hit and run incident in Los Angeles.
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August 9, 2013: Suffered a seizure
On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood, California, prompting a 9-1-1 call. He refused treatment and transport to a hospital.
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August 2013: Scheduled reappearance in court
In August 2013, Chris Brown was scheduled to reappear in court to determine if he would serve time in prison following the revocation of his probation.
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October 2013: Arrest 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, breaking the man's nose.
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October 30, 2013: Voluntarily enters rehab
On October 30, 2013, Chris Brown voluntarily entered rehab.
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November 20, 2013: Sentenced to anger management rehabilitation center
On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to a three-month anger management rehabilitation center, which jeopardized the December 2013 release of his album X.
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2013: Sentenced to Rehab and Diagnosed with Mental Health Disorders
In 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to 90 days in rehab and was formally diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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2013: Past drug usage before incarceration
In 2013, prior to Chris Brown's incarceration, he used "the syrup, the Xanax," admitting that marijuana offset his hyperactive tendencies, but "once I started doing the lean, the other stuff … I'd be sitting in the [recording] booth sleeping."
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March 14, 2014: Kicked out of rehab
On March 14, 2014, Chris Brown was kicked out of the rehab facility and sent to Northern Neck Regional Jail for violating internal rules.
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April 23, 2014: Release denied
On April 23, 2014, Chris Brown was expected to be released, but a judge denied his release request from custody either on bail or his own recognizance.
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May 9, 2014: Sentenced to jail
On May 9, 2014, Chris Brown was ordered to serve 131 days in jail for his probation violation, further delaying the release of his album.
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2014: Admission of drug use
In 2014, Chris Brown revealed in an interview that prior to his 2013 incarceration, he used "the syrup, the Xanax," admitting that marijuana offset his hyperactive tendencies, but "once I started doing the lean, the other stuff … I'd be sitting in the [recording] booth sleeping."
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April 2015: Sobriety relapse
In April 2015, Chris Brown broke a 15-month period of sobriety, allegedly using Xanax and lean and spiraling into more frequent drug use.
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June 2016: Assault lawsuit by former manager
In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued by his former manager, Mike G, for assault, false imprisonment, and battery, alleging an incident on May 10 where Brown assaulted him.
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August 30, 2016: Police standoff at Brown's house
On August 30, 2016, Chris Brown was involved in a standoff with the LAPD after a woman accused him of threatening her with a gun, leading to his arrest and subsequent release on bail.
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September 1, 2016: Lawyer states no corroborating evidence
On September 1, 2016, Chris Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, stated that there was no standoff and that, with regard to the LAPD search, "nothing was found to corroborate her statement."
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2016: Increased drug use
In 2016, Chris Brown spiraled into a more frequent drug use, following the relapse from the previous year.
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2017: Billboard article on mental health
In 2017, Billboard published an investigative article about Chris Brown's mental health issues and addiction, revealing details from ex-members of his team about his drug use, including cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.
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2017: Release of Self-Documentary Film, Welcome to My Life
In 2017, Chris Brown released a self-documentary film, 'Welcome to My Life', where he discussed his difficult childhood experiences, including domestic violence.
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2017: Welcome to My Life Documentary Release
In 2017, Chris Brown released his self-documentary, "Welcome to My Life", where he reflected on the sharp decline in his reputation following the 2009 assault on Rihanna.
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2017: Karrueche Tran granted restraining order
In 2017, Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran was granted a 5-year restraining order against him after she presented evidence of threats and demands made by Brown.
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December 2020: Alleged rape on a yacht in Miami
In December 2020, Chris Brown allegedly raped a woman on a yacht in Miami, which led to a lawsuit being filed in January 2022.
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January 2022: $20 million civil lawsuit filed
In January 2022, Chris Brown was named in a $20 million civil lawsuit alleging he raped a woman on a yacht in Miami in December 2020.
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November 18, 2022: American Music Awards Canceled Michael Jackson Tribute
On November 18, 2022, Chris Brown announced that the American Music Awards had canceled his scheduled tribute performance to Michael Jackson, resulting in criticism from fans and industry peers. The tribute celebrated the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller album.
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