Singer-songwriter Chris Brown has taken legal action against Ample, LLC and Warner Brothers, filing a $500 million lawsuit in the Superior Court of Los Angeles on January 21, 2025.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by attorneys Levi G. McCathern, II, and Evan Selik of McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans LLP, accuses the defendants of releasing a defamatory documentary titled Chris Brown: A History of Violence.
The lawsuit claims the documentary, released on October 27, 2024, falsely portrays Brown by reviving debunked allegations of sexual assault and evidence tampering.
According to Brown’s legal team, these allegations were previously discredited in court and dismissed as baseless. The defendants allegedly prioritized profit over accuracy, sensationalizing false narratives to attract viewers and generate revenue.
Discredited Allegations Central to the Lawsuit
A key figure in the documentary is Daisia Chantel Frank, referred to as “Jane Doe” in the film. Brown’s legal team asserts that Frank’s claims against him were thoroughly discredited in court years ago.
The lawsuit further states that Frank has a documented history of domestic violence, including physical assaults and threats against her romantic partner.
Brown’s attorneys emphasize that any interactions between Brown and Frank were consensual, supported by text and voice messages in which Frank allegedly pursued a relationship with the singer. Despite having evidence that contradicted Frank’s claims, the lawsuit alleges that Ample, LLC and Warner Brothers chose to amplify her accusations, causing significant harm to Brown’s reputation.
“This case is about protecting the truth,” said Levi McCathern. “The producers of this documentary knowingly promoted false and defamatory information, disregarding their ethical obligations as journalists. Their actions not only damage Mr. Brown’s efforts to rebuild his life but also discredit the experiences of true survivors of violence.”
Seeking Accountability
Brown’s lawsuit seeks to hold the production companies accountable for their alleged exploitation of misinformation.
In addition to financial damages, Brown has pledged to donate a portion of the $500 million to survivors of sexual abuse.
The lawsuit also highlights Brown’s 2017 documentary, Chris Brown: Welcome to My Life, as the definitive account of his personal growth and experiences.
Broader Implications
This lawsuit raises significant questions about the balance between free expression and the responsibility of media companies to ensure accuracy. It demonstrates the potential for reputational harm when allegations that have been discredited in court are reintroduced to the public.
By taking this legal step, Brown is hoping to restore his reputation and shed light on the ethical standards expected of media organizations in reporting on sensitive issues.
