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Chris Brown sues Warner Bros for defamation over allegations in documentary

Chris Brown, the multi-platinum singer known for hits like Forever, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. and production company Ample following the release of a documentary in October 2024 titled Chris Brown: A History of Violence*. The documentary included serious accusations of sexual assault, which Chris Brown’s legal team has vehemently denied, calling the claims “baseless” and “sensationalized.” The 35-year-old musician is seeking a hefty $500 million in damages, citing defamation, emotional distress, and significant harm to his reputation.

The documentary, which aired on Warner Bros., presented testimony from an anonymous dancer who claimed that Chris Brown raped her during a yacht party in 2020. This allegation was one of several presented in the film, which explored other controversial moments in Chris Brown’s career, including accusations of assault and his legal troubles. However, Brown’s lawyers argue that the claims in the film are not only false but also reckless, accusing the studio of prioritizing profits over journalistic integrity.

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In a statement released following the filing of the lawsuit, Chris Brown’s lawyers highlighted their concerns, emphasizing that the documentary included “misleading” and “discredited” evidence. They allege that Warner Bros. and Ample had been warned about the inaccuracy of the claims, yet chose to proceed with the release without properly vetting the material. “This documentary states in every available fashion that he is a serial rapist and sexual abuser,” the statement reads, noting that the documentary caused significant damage to Brown’s public image and career.

The lawsuit points to three major points of contention that the legal team believes were false or misleading. These include an accusation that Brown has a “predisposition for punching women in the face,” the dancer’s rape allegation, and a claim that Brown manipulated or deleted text messages between him and the dancer before presenting them to law enforcement. Brown’s legal team argues that these allegations were either fabricated or distorted to create a damaging narrative.

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One of the key points made in the lawsuit is that the allegations, which span across several incidents, have caused substantial emotional distress to the artist. His lawyers claim that the documentary has “irreparably tarnished” Brown’s career and public standing, not only causing harm to his reputation but also limiting his business opportunities.

Chris Brown has a long history of legal issues, with multiple public incidents making headlines over the years. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony assault after attacking his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, which led to significant legal and professional repercussions. He also faced a rape inquiry in Paris, which was ultimately dropped without charges. In 2022, the dancer, known in court as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against Brown, claiming that he drugged and raped her at a party on a yacht in Miami. That case was dismissed by a judge, but it resurfaced in the documentary.

Despite the ongoing controversies, Chris Brown’s lawyers assert that he has never been found guilty of any sexual crime. “Their actions undermine not only Mr. Brown’s decade-long efforts to rebuild his life but also the credibility of true survivors of violence,” said Levi McCathern, one of Brown’s attorneys. The singer, who has made efforts to move beyond his past legal issues, says that a portion of any damages awarded in the lawsuit will be donated to support survivors of sexual violence.

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The lawsuit also names Ample, the production company behind the documentary, but as of now, neither Warner Bros. nor Ample has responded to the allegations or provided any comments to the press.

For Chris Brown, this lawsuit represents more than just a fight for financial restitution—it is a battle for his reputation and his future in the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address the claims made in the documentary and the impact of these accusations on Brown’s career. In the meantime, the singer’s legal team continues to argue that the documentary was reckless in its portrayal of his character, and they are determined to seek justice through the legal system.

In other news – ZRP arrests nearly 8,000 in ongoing crackdown on illegal taxis

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has escalated its efforts to combat illegal taxi operators and other road offenders in Harare through a massive ongoing operation aimed at restoring order and safety to the city’s chaotic roads. Known as ‘mushikashika’ in local parlance, these illegal taxis have become notorious for their involvement in numerous hit-and-run accidents, kidnappings, and other criminal activities, prompting the authorities to take a firm stance against them.

In a statement confirming the ongoing clampdown, ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, revealed that the operation, codenamed “No to Mushikashika,” has made significant strides since its launch. Read More

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