Chris Brown has filed a defamation lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery over a documentary titled βChris Brown: A History of Violence.β The singer is seeking at least $500 million in damages.
The documentary, released in October, explores allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault against Brown. However, the singer alleges that the documentaryβs producers knowingly included false and discredited claims.
At the center of the controversy is a Jane Doe who sued Brown for sexual assault and battery in 2022. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but the accuserβs claims were featured prominently in the documentary.
Brown alleges that the accuser fabricated her claims and that the documentaryβs producers ignored publicly available court records and other credible evidence. He claims that law enforcement uncovered text messages that βexposed her dishonesty.
βThe lawsuit targets specific statements made by the accuser, including claims that Brown βrapedβ her and has a βpredisposition for punching women in the face.β Brownβs lawsuit also alleges that the documentaryβs producers prioritized profit over facts.
Brownβs lawsuit cites his own 2017 documentary, βChris Brown: Welcome To My Life,β which acknowledges his past mistakes, including his 2009 assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna. The singer aims to clear his name and restore his reputation.
The lawsuit alleges that the documentaryβs producers exhibited βactual maliceβ in their portrayal of Brown. This is a legal standard that requires public figures to prove that allegedly defamatory statements were made with prior knowledge that what was said is false.
βI went from being on top of the world, number one songs, being kind of like Americaβs sweetheart, to being public enemy number one,β he said in the documentary.
Brownβs lawsuit seeks damages and aims to hold the documentaryβs producers accountable for their actions. A portion of any potential winnings will be donated to survivors of sexual abuse.
Source : https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/
