Latest news with #ChrisBrown:AHistoryofViolence
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Should violent abuser Chris Brown be playing Hampden Stadium?
This missed opportunity to have a meaningful dialogue about accountability comes at a time when Glasgow is in the throes of a deepening crisis for women's safety. Instances of domestic abuse are up by 41 per cent, rapes increased by 41 per cent, and sexual assault has risen by 28 per cent, according to the most recent data from the Safe Glasgow Partnership. Every time I hear Chris Brown's name, I think back to a camera at the Grammys in 2009 panning to two empty seats, their vacancy eerie and unsettling. I think of how a young Rihanna's eyebrows are gently knitting together, holding back tears while her swollen face, black and blue, is photographed after her boyfriend, then 19, punched her repeatedly while driving a Lamborghini. Many of his fans will tell you that Rihanna has forgiven him, and so should we. Or 'seriously, the Rihanna thing happened like 15 years ago and he has apologised a million times'. But the violent incidents and string of allegations only started with Rihanna; they didn't end there. A documentary released last year, Chris Brown: A History of Violence, details the seemingly endless controversies, including numerous accusations of alleged sexual assault and a rape allegation. In 2017, Brown's ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran filed a restraining order, alleging that the singer repeatedly harassed her, punched her, and threatened to kill her and her friends. Brown kicked off his Breezy Bowl XX tour in Manchester earlier this week, a month after he was arrested in the city for an alleged bottle attack at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair in 2023. He spent a week in HMP Forest Bank, whom he thanked for being 'really nice' before performing to around 20,000 fans on Sunday night. Team Breezy, as his fans are known, are fiercely loyal. They will claim that Brown is Michael Jackson reincarnated, that he is the "king of R&B". They will wax lyrical about separating art from the artist. But we are living in an era with more music than ever before. It's easier to make, listen to, and discover. Something like 120,000 new tracks are uploaded to streaming services each day, according to a Luminate report from 2023. That is to say, the world is not short of options. Listening to Chris Brown is a choice. Glasgow Women's Aid said in a statement that Chris Brown 'should not be welcome in Glasgow' and asked what his concert says about our priorities. 'Time and time again, we see the entertainment industry turn a blind eye to abuse when profit is involved. Venues and sponsors claim to stand against violence against women but continue to hand a mic to men who harm.' The voluntary organisation called on promoters and venues to consider the impact of whom they choose to platform. They also said that fans should reflect on what they are supporting with their money and that politicians should have more of a voice when it comes to performers who have been charged with violent crimes. 'Abuse should have consequences,' they added. 'Glasgow is better than this.' I have been trying to unpack where it is I stand with this. Am I disappointed in DF Concerts for promoting Brown's gig? Or the tens of thousands of fans in the city and beyond who line his pockets with their ticket purchases? Or the political elites who have turned a blind eye to Brown while claiming Kneecap 'crossed a line'? Should someone pull the plug on the gig? What does that mean for free speech? Nearly every woman that I know, myself included, has been on the receiving end of men's sexual violence in some form or another. In terms of severity, these incidents vary greatly. Because formal institutions like the police and the courts have a history of failing survivors of abuse, the desire to hold someone to account in any way possible can be intoxicating. When it has happened to me, I have felt blinded by my desire to get justice and crippled by gut-wrenching feeling that it will never happen. Part of the problem is that as woman, what was meant to be our big movement, our big moment, went horribly wrong. Whitewashing everything with the same hashtag (#MeToo) had a flattening effect. It painted someone dog-whistling at you on the street with the same brush as rape. It also made us hyper-aware of what would be considered appropriate or inappropriate, and sometimes people got it wrong. But it seems like now, the middle has fallen out. And some people are so sick of walking on eggshells that they have just decided to give up thinking about these things altogether. Since the #MeToo movement there has been a cultural shift, a regression. Misogyny is creeping back into the mainstream. It often feels like a scary and hostile time to be a woman. I think part of this comes down to stripping nuance out of situations, which has in turn resulted in a chilling effect where it becomes so loaded to talk about something on a deeper level that we just stopped talking about it at all. Cancel culture is an illusion. It flattens complex situations, which in turn can strip someone of the opportunity to learn and grow. And while I don't believe in cancel culture, I do believe in accountability culture. And Brown does not come across to me as someone who has ever learned from his violent and disgusting mistakes. Chris Brown's stadium show is a great opportunity to have a conversation about what we as a city think is acceptable behaviour. And the silence speaks volumes. Marissa MacWhirter is a columnist and feature writer at The Herald, and the editor of The Glasgow Wrap. The newsletter is curated between 5-7am each morning, bringing the best of local news to your inbox each morning without ads, clickbait, or hyperbole. Oh, and it's free. She can be found on X @marissaamayy1
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Chris Brown makes bail after UK arrest as world tour looms
Chris Brown makes bail after UK arrest as world tour looms Show Caption Hide Caption Chris Brown arrested over 2023 incident in London Metropolitan Police arrested Chris Brown in Manchester, England, on May 15 for an incident that took place in London on Feb. 19, 2023. LONDON — Chris Brown was granted bail by a London court after being charged with assault earlier this month. Brown, a hip-hop singer with a long and complicated legal history, was arrested and charged May 15 with inflicting grievous bodily harm in what prosecutors said was an "unprovoked attack" in a London nightclub in 2023. The singer, 36, has not yet been asked to enter a plea. He was not present at the U.K. courthouse when Judge Tony Baumgartner granted him bail on May 21. The bail may prove incredibly important as criminal proceedings could conflict with Brown's upcoming tour. The singer's Breezy Bowl XX World Tour is set to begin June 8 in Amsterdam with support from fellow R&B singer Bryson Tiller. Chris Brown says he was disinvited from NBA All-Star Celebrity Game due to controversies Police confirmed that the arrest was related to an alleged 2023 assault, as described in a lawsuit previously filed by music producer Amadou "Abe" Diaw. In October 2023, Diaw sued Brown for allegedly "beating him over the head" with a tequila bottle at a nightclub in London, according to a Los Angeles lawsuit reviewed by USA TODAY. Early on Feb. 19, 2023, "while traveling for his 2023 'Under the Influence' Tour ... (Brown) brutally assaulted (Diaw) at TAPE nightclub in London. Wielding a large bottle of Don Julio 1942 Tequila as his weapon, Brown inflicted severe and lasting injuries on (Diaw) when beating him over the head with crushing blows," the lawsuit alleged. "As (Diaw) lay unconscious on the floor, Brown continued to ruthlessly stomp on the defenseless (Diaw) for approximately 30 seconds. (Diaw) ended up in the hospital with lacerations on his head and torn ligaments in his leg." Chris Brown arrest, charge follows documentary legal drama Brown's arrest in the U.K. comes months after the singer took legal action following the release of a documentary that explored his alleged history of violence. In January, the singer-songwriter sued Warner Bros. Discovery and several others for their role in the production of "Chris Brown: A History of Violence," a documentary film chronicling Brown's alleged pattern of abuse. He is seeking $500 million in damages, alleging libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Chris Brown sues Warner Bros. for $500M over 'A History of Violence' documentary Brown's star was heavily tarnished in 2009 when fans learned that he had assaulted then-girlfriend Rihanna on the night of the Grammy Awards. Photos showing Rihanna bloodied and bruised after the attack were leaked to the public at the time, forever altering Brown's reputation and kicking off more than a decade of legal troubles. In 2017, a restraining order was granted to ex-girlfriend and "Claws" actress Karrueche Tran, mandating that Brown stay away from her after she alleged that he was abusive toward her. Then, the following year, an anonymous accuser represented by women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred sued Brown, alleging he had trapped her in his home and forced her to perform sex acts for his friends. In 2019, the singer was accused of raping a woman in Paris, but released without charges. This was followed by a July 2024 lawsuit, which alleged Brown and members of his crew severely assaulted four men after a concert in Texas. Contributing: Sam Tobin, Reuters; Jay Stahl, Anna Kaufman, Edward Segarra, KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Chris Brown arrested in UK on 'bodily harm' charge after alleged 2023 incident
Chris Brown arrested in UK on 'bodily harm' charge after alleged 2023 incident Chris Brown has been arrested in the U.K. The Metropolitan Police confirmed to USA TODAY on May 15 that a 36-year-old man was arrested at a Manchester hotel just after 2 p.m. on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. While the department does not release names of possible suspects, they confirmed that "the arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square (London)" from Feb. 19, 2023. "The investigation is being led by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit." "He has been taken into custody where he remains," the statement added. The Crown Prosecution Service, a government agency overseeing criminal prosecutions, confirmed Brown's arrest in a May 15 press release. Brown's first court appearance is scheduled for May 16 at Manchester Magistrates' Court. "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial," the agency said. "It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings." The arrest comes months after Brown, 36, took legal action following the release of a documentary that explored his alleged history of violence. USA TODAY reached out to reps for Brown for comment. Brown's Breezy Bowl XX World Tour begins June 8 in Amsterdam with support from fellow R&B singer Bryson Tiller. Chris Brown sues Warner Bros. for $500M over 'A History of Violence' documentary In January, the singer-songwriter sued Warner Bros. Discovery and several others for their role in the production of "Chris Brown: A History of Violence," a documentary film chronicling Brown's alleged pattern of abuse. He is seeking $500 million in damages, alleging libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Brown's star was heavily tarnished in 2009 when fans learned that he had assaulted then-girlfriend Rihanna on the night of the Grammy Awards. Photos showing Rihanna bloodied and bruised after the attack were leaked to the public at the time, forever altering Brown's reputation and kicking off more than a decade of legal troubles. Chris Brown's history of alleged violence Brown's history of violence against women has ratcheted up in recent years. In 2017, a restraining order was granted to ex-girlfriend and "Claws" actress Karrueche Tran, mandating that Brown stay away from her after she alleged that he was abusive toward her. In 2018, an anonymous accuser represented by women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred sued Brown, alleging he had trapped her in his home and forced her to perform sex acts for his friends. In 2019, the singer was accused of raping a woman in Paris, but he was released without charges. This was followed by a July 2024 lawsuit, which alleged Brown and members of his crew severely assaulted four men after a concert in Texas.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Brown arrested in England 2 years after alleged assault
Chris Brown was arrested Thursday in Manchester, England, in connection with an alleged bottle-throwing incident two years prior. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the 36-year-old controversial singer — who has a history of assault arrests — attacked music producer Abe Diaw in February 2023 at London's Tape nightclub. Brown was taken into custody at a Manchester hotel early Thursday morning on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, according to the outlet. Brown's slated to tour in Manchester as well as other U.K. cities next month. 'We can confirm that Chris Brown was involved in an incident with our client, and the injuries sustained are serious,' attorney Ryan J. Daneshrad, who represented Diaw in the suit, told the Daily News. 'We are pursuing all legal remedies to hold him accountable. At this time, we will let the facts speak for themselves through the proper legal channels.' It's unclear what led to the alleged altercation and what injuries Diaw allegedly sustained. Brown is perhaps just as well-known for his legal issues as he once was for his musical prowess and hit songs like 'Forever' and 'No Air.' Most infamously, in 2009, Brown viciously attacked then-girlfriend Rihanna, who was hospitalized as a result. He was charged with felony assault and making criminal threats, ultimately taking a deal in which he pleaded guilty to felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury. Brown at the time was sentenced to five years probation, 180 days of community labor and a year of domestic violence classes and ordered to pay fines. In the aftermath, Brown was denied a visa to the U.K. In the years since assaulting Rihanna, Brown has been arrested on suspicion of multiple other assaults in different cities. Earlier this year, he sued Warner Bros. for an Investigation Discovery documentary, 'Chris Brown: A History of Violence,' which identified him as a 'serial rapist,' per People. Brown's lawyer did not immediately respond to The News' request for comment.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Chris Brown Reportedly Arrested Over Alleged U.K. Nightclub Attack
Chris Brown, the R&B singer who has faced numerous charges and allegations of assault throughout his career, was reportedly arrested in the United Kingdom Thursday in connection with a 2023 nightclub attack, according to multiple U.K. outlets, though the Metropolitan police would not confirm to Forbes whether the man arrested is Brown. Brown was previously sued for allegedly attacking a producer in a London nightclub. (Photo by ... More) The Metropolitan police told Forbes a 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday morning 'on suspicion of grievous bodily harm,' and he remains in custody. The arrest was made in connection with 'an incident at a venue in Hanover Square' on Feb. 19, 2023, though the police did not specify the venue or what the incident was. Multiple U.K. news outlets have reported the man arrested is Brown, including The Sun, which published pictures purporting to show Brown at a Hanover Square nightclub on the night of the incident. Brown was previously sued by music producer Abe Diaw, who alleged Brown smashed a tequila bottle over his head and stomped on him at the Tape nightclub in Hanover Square in February 2023, which led to hospitalization. Diaw told The Sun on Sunday Brown 'hit me over the head two or three times' and 'my knee collapsed as well.' The police did not confirm to Forbes whether the man arrested is Brown, nor that the incident concerned Diaw. Forbes has reached out to Brown's lawyers for comment. Whether Brown's reported arrest will impact his upcoming tour. He is slated to embark on the Breezy Bowl XX tour next month in Europe, beginning with concerts in the Netherlands and Denmark. He has nine dates scheduled for the United Kingdom between June and July, beginning with a string of shows in Manchester on June 15. Brown has long faced legal issues and accusations of assault throughout his career, most notably his domestic violence case against his then-girlfriend Rihanna. In 2009, Brown was arrested after an argument with Rihanna turned physical, in which she sustained visible facial injuries, later pleading guilty to felony assault and receiving a sentence of five years probation, domestic violence counseling and community labor. In a documentary nearly a decade later, Brown said the fight made him feel like a 'monster' and it would 'haunt me forever.' Brown later violated his probation by punching a man in the nose during a 2013 altercation in Washington, D.C., receiving an assault charge. Brown was sent to rehab, where he violated the facility's internal rules, leading a judge to sentence Brown to jail, where he served nearly three months. Brown has been involved in numerous other alleged altercations, and he faced an additional felony battery charge in 2018 in connection with a 2017 incident, which was later dropped. In the 2024 Warner Bros. documentary 'Chris Brown: A History of Violence,' an anonymous woman accused Brown of raping her on a yacht owned by Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who is currently on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering. Brown called the accusations 'defamatory' and sued Warner Bros. for $500 million in January. Chris Brown sues Warner Bros over documentary's sex assault claims (BBC)
