Controversial Chris Brown documentary to air ahead of SA concert

Just weeks before Chris Brown's highly anticipated concert in South Africa this December, Investigation Discovery (ID) will air a revealing documentary titled “ Chris Brown: A history of violence”, scheduled to premiere on Friday, 8 November 2024, at 21:00 on ID (DStv channel 171).

The documentary explores the darker side of the global pop star’s life, chronicling his history of violent behaviour, including intimate partner violence and assault charges.

Chris Brown is set to perform two highly anticipated concerts in South Africa in December 2024 at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium. After the original show on 14 December sold out quickly, a second concert was added for 15 December due to overwhelming demand.

The film revisits the infamous 2009 assault on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, and explores his troubled past, including several violent incidents that have plagued his adult life. It poses a key question: how does someone with such a violent public record maintain his superstar status?

Expert and cultural commentary throughout the documentary delves into the impact of Brown’s actions on his victims and the psychological destruction left in its wake.

Following the premiere, Sunny Hostin, a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and former prosecutor, will host a discussion on intimate partner violence, including how to recognise the signs of abuse and where to seek help.

"Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me," said Hostin.

"The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society."

The documentary and accompanying discussion are part of ID’s annual “No excuse for abuse” campaign, aimed at raising awareness and offering support to survivors of domestic violence.

The Mercury