Major Controversies Surrounding Chris Brown: A Detailed Timeline

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

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: Domestic violence case with Rihanna

From 2007 to 2009, Chris Brown dated singer Rihanna until their highly publicized domestic violence case.

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.

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 in New York City. Several people were injured, and Brown publicly criticized Drake afterward, with his attorney alleging Drake as the instigator.

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.

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 the incident as "battery" due to Brown allegedly punching Ocean, though Ocean did not press charges.

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 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.

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.

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.

August 2022: Lawsuit dismissed due to lack of prosecution

In August 2022, the judge dismissed the lawsuit against Chris Brown due to lack of prosecution by the plaintiff. However, the dismissal was without prejudice, meaning the case could be reinstated under proper legal grounds.