Thousands of young women in South Africa are currently excited as Chris Brown is set to perform in Joburg this December, but the performer is no stranger to controversy, as he also has a history of domestic violence.
Investigation Discovery (ID) is set to release a documentary titled Chris Brown: A History of Violence, which focuses on Chris Brown’s history of domestic violence. The doccie will premiere on October 27, 2024 as part of the network's No Excuse for Abuse campaign.
In December, Chris Brown is expected to perform at the FNB Stadium in front of a packed crowd in Johannesburg, despite his history with violence. Tickets for the event are priced at R515 to R5,744 for the VIP experience.
While Brown is known and loved for his talent, he is also known for his domestic violence case involving his ex-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, which dates back to 2009.
He pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, and was sentenced to five years probation, which required him to do community service and undergo domestic violence counselling.
Since then, the 35-year-old singer has faced a series of legal issues involving violence, including allegations of physical and sexual assault.
Brown was involved in a violent altercation with singer Frank Ocean over a parking space, during which he allegedly punched the singer, according to police reports. Charges were not pressed.
In February 2017, he was ordered to stay away from his former girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, who accused him of punching her in the stomach and pushing her down the stairs.
In July 2024, Brown and his entourage were sued for $50 million (R900 million) for allegedly assaulting four men: Larry Parker, Joseph Lewis, Charles Bush, and Damarcus Powell backstage at his show in Texas.
These allegations are just a few of the many incidents Brown has been involved in.
Meanwhile, Brown is scheduled to perform in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 14, 2024, at FNB Stadium.
Social media reactions
Local netizens have shared mixed reactions, with some discouraging support for an abuser and others claiming that his history of domestic violence does not define him, given that he served his probation period and was rehabilitated.
“I'm actually still so disgusted by people getting excited over Chris Brown coming to South Africa. Women are being killed almost every hour, women for change posts everyday and y’all are celebrating an abuser because he can sing? get a grip,” says @ntattyyy on X.
i’m actually still so disgusted by people getting excited over chris brown coming to south africa. women are being killed almost every hour, womenforchange posts everyday and y’all are celebrating an abuser because he can sing? get a grip
The guy went to jail and is rehabilitated why do people still wanna come after him while him and his victim made peace
— Tirahalo M (@TirahaloM) September 30, 2024
The documentary will explore the long history of violence that the “Under the Influence” hitmaker has been involved in, detailing his past all the way back to his troubled childhood and examining the lasting impact of the cycle of abuse, while also posing the question of how Brown maintains his stardom despite a public record of violence.
It will also introduces a new accuser who has come forward. In the trailer, she states in an altered voice that she has not spoken about the matter publicly before but believes this is the only way to stop Brown.