Chris Brown has filed a defamation lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery over a documentary titled “Chris Brown: A History of Violence.” 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 documentary’s 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 accuser’s claims were featured prominently in the documentary.
Brown alleges that the accuser fabricated her claims and that the documentary’s producers ignored publicly available court records and other credible evidence. He claims that law enforcement uncovered text messages that “exposed her dishonesty.
“The lawsuit targets specific statements made by the accuser, including claims that Brown “raped” her and has a “predisposition for punching women in the face.” Brown’s lawsuit also alleges that the documentary’s producers prioritized profit over facts.
Brown’s lawsuit cites his own 2017 documentary, “Chris Brown: Welcome To My Life,” 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 documentary’s producers exhibited “actual malice” 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.
“I went from being on top of the world, number one songs, being kind of like America’s sweetheart, to being public enemy number one,” he said in the documentary.
Brown’s lawsuit seeks damages and aims to hold the documentary’s producers accountable for their actions. A portion of any potential winnings will be donated to survivors of sexual abuse.
Source : https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/
