A new documentary about Chris Brown aims to “normalize how we survive” in the wake of domestic violence

Investigation Discovery’s (ID) upcoming documentary, specializing in the harassment allegations against Chris Brown, looks to do greater than just make clear the singer’s legal woes. The filmmakers strive to “normalize” the survivor’s story.

According to ID president Jason Sarlanis, “Chris Brown: A History of Violence” aims to help other survivors.

“This documentary serves as a cautionary tale for our audience because it illustrates the patterns and cycles of violence that occur among men and women who are perpetrators of domestic violence. “Being able to shed light on this is really valuable for our viewers,” Sarlanis said Hollywood reporter (THR).

As previously reported by theGrio, the documentary, which can premiere on Sunday, October 27 at 9 p.m. as part of ID’s third annual “No Excuses for Abuse” campaign, will chronicle Brown’s rise in the music industry as a teenage R&B star to his current public position and can continued allegations of abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Brown’s troubles in the highlight began after a February 2009 incident that left his then-girlfriend Rihanna in hospital with injuries.

“When we look specifically at the story of Chris Brown and Rihanna and the tragic events that took place in 2009, we see that events like this are happening in households across the country, and their names are much less recognizable, which allows us to tell these stories in a bigger stage,” says Sarlanis about the documentary produced by Ample Entertainment. “It may not be the same example in homes across the country, but abusers use the same tactics, so recognizing these tactics, regardless of their use, is critical to empowering our viewers.”

Featured Stories

In the 15 years since his altercation with Rihanna – after which pleading guilty to one count of assault – Brown has continued to rack up nothing but disturbing allegations and allegations.

The documentary, which seeks to explore how someone manages to succeed in a high-profile profession despite repeated alleged incidents of abuse, may even introduce new accuser Jane Doe. Jane Doe accused Brown of sexual assault aboard Diddy’s yacht in December 2020. Asked to respond to these and other claims, Brown’s lawyers told ID producers that the allegations made on the show were “malicious and false.”

But producers told THR they hope to show how many victims cope with complex feelings – including the feeling that the abuse was in some way their fault.

“Our Jane Doe story perfectly reflects the fact that nearly half of all harassment cases in this country go unreported. And I believe that her story, unfortunately, will resonate with too many of her viewers,” Sarlanis said, adding: “We need to normalize how we survive. Every fourth woman experiences this. This number is staggering, and the shame of being a survivor will perpetuate the same cycles that allow the one in four number to continue. Ultimately, our goal must be to lower this rate.”

Fresh off the premiere of “Chris Brown: A History of Violence,” “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin will moderate a discussion on intimate partner violence for viewers.