Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Chris Brown.
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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2009: Domestic Violence Case
From 2007 to 2009, Chris Brown dated singer Rihanna until their highly publicized domestic violence case.
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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 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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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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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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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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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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April 11, 2024: Released 11:11 (Deluxe)
On April 11, 2024, Chris Brown released 11:11 (Deluxe), containing 13 additional tracks and features from various artists. He dissed Quavo in the song "Freak", triggering response diss tracks from each party.
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