Major Controversies Surrounding Chris Brown: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Chris Brown.

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

1997: Release of "Tight Up Skirt"

In 2022, Chris Brown was served a copyright infringement lawsuit alleging that "Privacy" lifted a line from the 1997 dancehall track "Tight Up Skirt", recorded by Red Rat.

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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: Controversial Relationship with Rihanna

From 2007 to 2009, Chris Brown was in a relationship with Rihanna until their highly publicized domestic violence case.

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.

June 14, 2012: Nightclub Scuffle with Drake

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. Eight people were injured during the brawl.

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.

January 2013: Altercation with Frank Ocean

In January 2013, Chris Brown was in an altercation with Frank Ocean over a parking space outside a recording studio in West Hollywood. Police officers in Los Angeles described the incident as "battery."

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 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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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: Cancellation of Michael Jackson Tribute Performance

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. The cancellation prompted backlash against the AMAs.

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

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April 11, 2024: 11:11 (Deluxe) Album Release and Diss Track

On April 11, 2024, Chris Brown released "11:11 (Deluxe)", containing 13 additional tracks and features from Lil Wayne, Bryson Tiller, Davido, Joyner Lucas, Tee Grizzley and Mario. The song "Freak" features a verse where Brown disses Quavo, leading to a series of diss tracks between the two.