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.

Christopher Maurice Brown is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Known for his pop and hip-hop-influenced R&B music, he has been dubbed the "King of R&B" by some. His work often explores emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown's singing and dancing abilities have drawn 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 backlash and loss of endorsements.

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 involving 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 Rihanna and received a sentence of five years probation and six months community service. In the same year, he released his third album, Graffiti.

September 25, 2012: Brown tests positive for cannabis; court hearing date changed

On September 25, 2012, while completing his community service in Virginia, Chris Brown tested positive for cannabis, leading to a court appearance and a change in his hearing date to November to determine whether he violated his court order terms.

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In July 2013, Chris Brown's probation was revoked following an alleged hit and run incident in Los Angeles. He was scheduled to reappear in court in August 2013 to determine if he would serve time in prison.

August 9, 2013: Chris Brown Suffers Seizure

On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood, California, prompting a 9-1-1 call. Upon arrival, paramedics were turned away as Brown allegedly refused treatment and transport to a local hospital.

August 2013: Scheduled court appearance for probation revocation

In August 2013, Chris Brown was scheduled to reappear in court to determine whether he would serve time in prison related to his probation revocation. The charges were later dropped, but additional community service was added to his probation terms.

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 refused to take a picture with a man and allegedly broke the man's nose. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor.

October 30, 2013: Brown voluntarily enters rehab

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

November 20, 2013: Chris Brown Sentenced to Anger Management Rehabilitation

On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to a three-month anger management rehabilitation center, which put the December 2013 release of his album 'X' in jeopardy.

2013: Sentenced to rehab and diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and PTSD

In 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to 90 days in rehab and was formally diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2013: Brown's incarceration

Prior to Chris Brown's 2013 incarceration, he admitted in a 2014 interview to abusing "the syrup, the Xanax".

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.

April 23, 2014: Judge denies release from custody

On April 23, 2014, a judge denied Chris Brown's request to be released from custody, either on bail or his own recognizance, after he was kicked out of rehab for violating internal rules.

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, delaying the release of his album 'X'.

June 2, 2014: Released from jail

After being released from jail on June 2, 2014, Brown wrote that he was "Humbled and Blessed" and tweeted the words "Thank you GOD."

2014: Brown reveals substance abuse issues

In a 2014 interview, Chris Brown admitted to abusing "the syrup, the Xanax" prior to his 2013 incarceration, stating that he would fall asleep in the recording booth due to the effects of lean.

April 2015: Brown relapses after sobriety

Around April 2015, Chris Brown broke a 15-month period of sobriety and relapsed into drug use, reportedly using Xanax and lean, leading to more frequent use in early 2016, according to ex-members of his team.

June 2016: Chris Brown sued by former manager

In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued by his former manager, Mike G, for assault, false imprisonment, and battery, stemming from an alleged incident on May 10 of that year where Brown assaulted him.

August 30, 2016: Police standoff at Brown's house

On August 30, 2016, police responded to a call accusing Chris Brown of threatening a woman with a gun inside his house, leading to a standoff with the LAPD. Brown was arrested and later released on bail.

September 1, 2016: Lawyer states no evidence found

On September 1, 2016, Chris Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, stated that there was no standoff and that nothing was found to corroborate the accuser's statement during the LAPD search.

2016: Increased drug use

In the first months of 2016, Chris Brown spiraled into more frequent drug use. Former members of Brown's team also told Billboard that he was using cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.

2017: Billboard publishes article on Brown's mental health issues and addiction

In 2017, Billboard published an investigative article detailing Chris Brown's mental health struggles and battle with addiction, drawing on accounts from former members of his team.

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 after presenting text messages and voicemails in court where Brown threatened her.

2017: Welcome to My Life self-documentary

In the 2017 self-documentary, Welcome to My Life, Chris Brown reflects on his reputation dropping sharply after his 2009 assault on Rihanna.

December 2020: Alleged rape on yacht in Miami

In December 2020, Chris Brown allegedly raped a woman on a yacht in Miami, which later led to a $20 million civil lawsuit filed against him in January 2022.

January 2022: $20 million civil lawsuit filed against Brown for alleged rape

In January 2022, a woman filed a $20 million civil lawsuit against Chris Brown, accusing him of raping her on a yacht in Miami in December 2020. Brown denied the allegations.