The film will explore the American singer’s two-decade career, focusing on his history of legal troubles, starting with his 2009 arrest for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna.
Despite his musical success, the documentary questions how Brown has managed to maintain his superstar status and loyal fan base given his controversial past.
A voiceover in the trailer states, “Chris Brown’s an amazing and talented musician, but let’s call a thing a thing. He’s an abuser of women. Consistently, unapologetically,” indicating the film’s deep dive into accusations of domestic violence and sexual assault linked to the artist.
The documentary also introduces a new accuser who shares their story anonymously.
Following the film’s premiere, The View co-host Sunny Hostin will lead a discussion with experts and advocates on intimate partner violence, drawing from her personal connection to the issue. Hostin emphasized the importance of understanding the subject to foster societal change.
The release of Chris Brown: A History of Violence coincides with the recent arrest of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. A docuseries on Combs is expected to air in 2025.
The documentary aims to shed light on the cycle of abuse, beginning with Brown’s childhood, featuring insights from experts and survivors to highlight the lasting psychological effects on victims.