Chris Brown Slams "History of Violence" Documentary, Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Warner Bros. and Ample
Fervent singer Chris Brown is taking legal action against Warner Bros. and production company Ample, alleging defamation stemming from the release of their documentary, "Chris Brown: A History of Violence," in October 2022. The film, which explores allegations of sexual assault against Brown, premiered to significant controversy.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a testimony from an anonymous dancer, identified in court filings as Jane Doe, who alleges that Brown raped her on a yacht in 2020. Brown’s legal team, led by attorney Levi McCathern, maintains that the film’s portrayal is "defamatory" and that the accusations are unsubstantiated and sensationalized.
"Warner Bros. recklessly damaged Mr. Brown’s reputation by prioritizing profits over journalistic integrity," McCathern stated in a press release. "Their actions undermine not only Mr. Brown’s decade-long efforts to rebuild his life but also the credibility of true survivors of violence."
This lawsuit is not Brown’s first legal clash with Jane Doe. In 2022, she filed a separate lawsuit against Brown alleging drugging, which was subsequently dismissed by a judge.
Beyond Der Doe’s allegations, the documentary scrutinizes other controversies in Brown’s past, including an alleged 2021 assault, a rape inquiry in Paris in 2019 that resulted in his release without charges, and his 2009 conviction for assault involving his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.
In a statement, Brown vowed that if he prevails in the lawsuit, a portion of any awarded damages will be donated to organizations supporting survivors of sexual violence.