Photo Credit:Associated Press
Chris Brown has filed a $500 million defamation lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Ample Entertainment over their docuseries Chris Brown: A History of Violence. Released in October 2024, the series portrays Brown as a "serial rapist" and "sexual abuser," allegations Brown vehemently denies.
The lawsuit, filed in California’s Superior Court for Los Angeles County, alleges the series included false and defamatory claims, prioritizing profits over the truth. "This case is about the media putting their own profits over the truth," Brown’s attorneys argue, highlighting that WBD aired the documentary despite being provided with evidence that discredited its central accuser, referred to as Jane Doe.
The lawsuit states that Doe, who accused Brown of rape in 2020, has been repeatedly discredited. According to Brown’s legal team, Doe's 2022 lawsuit alleging sexual assault on Sean "Diddy" Combs' yacht was dismissed after evidence revealed inconsistencies, including text messages that undermined her credibility. "They [the producers] ignored her established lack of veracity," the complaint claims.
Brown’s attorneys argue the docuseries violated journalistic standards by repackaging outdated accusations and amplifying them with "demonstrable falsehoods." Brown, who pled guilty in 2009 to assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna, claims the series undermines his decade-long efforts to rebuild his reputation. “Mr. Brown has grown from those experiences, and his evolution speaks for itself,” the lawsuit states.
The filing further alleges that the series harmed Brown’s career, reputation, and business opportunities, accusing the producers of intentionally disregarding their ethical obligations. Attorney Levi McCathern stated, "Despite being provided with evidence disproving their claims, the producers of this documentary intentionally promoted false and defamatory information. Their actions undermine not only Mr. Brown’s efforts to rebuild his life but also the credibility of true survivors of violence."
Brown is suing for defamation, emotional distress, and unauthorized use of his likeness. He has pledged to donate a portion of any awarded damages to survivors of sexual abuse, asserting that the case is about "protecting the truth."
WBD has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit states that Doe, who accused Brown of rape in 2020, has been repeatedly discredited. According to Brown’s legal team, Doe's 2022 lawsuit alleging sexual assault on Sean "Diddy" Combs' yacht was dismissed after evidence revealed inconsistencies, including text messages that undermined her credibility. "They [the producers] ignored her established lack of veracity," the complaint claims.
Brown’s attorneys argue the docuseries violated journalistic standards by repackaging outdated accusations and amplifying them with "demonstrable falsehoods." Brown, who pled guilty in 2009 to assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna, claims the series undermines his decade-long efforts to rebuild his reputation. “Mr. Brown has grown from those experiences, and his evolution speaks for itself,” the lawsuit states.
The filing further alleges that the series harmed Brown’s career, reputation, and business opportunities, accusing the producers of intentionally disregarding their ethical obligations. Attorney Levi McCathern stated, "Despite being provided with evidence disproving their claims, the producers of this documentary intentionally promoted false and defamatory information. Their actions undermine not only Mr. Brown’s efforts to rebuild his life but also the credibility of true survivors of violence."
Brown is suing for defamation, emotional distress, and unauthorized use of his likeness. He has pledged to donate a portion of any awarded damages to survivors of sexual abuse, asserting that the case is about "protecting the truth."
WBD has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
