FORT WORTH, Texas — R&B singer Chris Brown and his associates are facing a $50 million lawsuit following allegations of a “violent” attack on four individuals at a concert last week. The incident reportedly occurred backstage at the Dickies Arena after Brown’s performance as part of his 11:11 Tour.
According to the complaint, Brown, together with members of his team identified in court documents as Conway, Hood Boss (also known as Omololu Omari Akinlolu), and Sinko Ceej, carried out an unprovoked assault on Larry Parker, Joseph Lewis, Charles Bush, and Damarcus Powell. It is alleged they were invited to a VIP area and attacked shortly thereafter.
Live Nation, the entertainment company that promotes Brown’s tour, is also named in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argue that Live Nation continued to support Brown’s career despite his past involvement in violent incidents, thereby putting profit ahead of safety.
Legal representative for the victims, Tony Bendo, criticized the continuation of violent behavior and emphasized the legal obligations of individuals, regardless of their fame. Bendo stated, “In Texas, fame does not exempt one from adhering to the law. Unprovoked violent acts are unacceptable and will be met with strict legal repercussions. Our clients seek compensatory and punitive damages fully supported by the law.”
The court documents describe a harrowing scene where Brown and his crew allegedly surrounded the plaintiffs, used chairs as weapons, and inflicted physical beatings that included kicks, stomps, and multiple strikes to sensitive areas of the body.
The initiation of the altercation, according to one of the plaintiffs, occurred when Bush complimented Brown on his performance and was met with hostility from someone within Brown’s group, recalling past disputes. This apparently escalated quickly, with a sizable group from Brown’s entourage then pursuing and attacking the plaintiffs in a nearby hallway.
The lawsuit demands not only compensatory damages for injuries sustained but also punitive damages, claiming the attack caused significant “pecuniary losses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, and past, present, and future medical expenses.”
This legal action follows a series of legal troubles for Brown, including a notable 2009 incident involving his then-girlfriend, pop star Rihanna, which resulted in a plea agreement that included community service, probation, and mandatory domestic violence counseling. More allegations have surfaced over the years, including in 2023, maintaining a contentious legal history for Brown.
Legal and entertainment industry observers note that this case could further affect Brown’s career by influencing public and corporate support for his projects. The resolution of this lawsuit may also prompt discussions and potentially new policies regarding the vetting of artists by promoters and venues regarding their conduct offstage.