Chris Brown has been arrested on charges of rape in Paris—here’s what we know
According to several January 22nd news reports, Chris Brown has been arrested in Paris and stands accused of aggravated rape and drug violations. The BBC reports that Brown is currently being held alongside his bodyguard and a friend, as identified by a French media outlet. CNN reports that it reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Paris for comment but the embassy has yet to issue a statement. The allegations come from a 24-year-old woman who claims she and Brown got into a physical altercation in her Paris hotel suite earlier this month. The BBC reports that the woman met Brown at a nightclub hours before the assault took place.
As of early this morning, TMZ got word that Brown must either be released in two days or appear in court, where a judge can then decide whether to keep Brown detained while he awaits trial, or let him go “with obligations.” If the judge decides to release Brown with obligations, the singer must surrender his passport to French authorities and remain in Paris until his trial, which could take up to a year. Furthermore, TMZ learned that Brown would have to check in with French authorities every two weeks while awaiting trial.
BREAKING: Police officials say US singer Chris Brown detained in Paris after rape accusation.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 22, 2019
In recent years, Brown has racked up an extensive criminal record. The singer was arrested and later released on $2,000 bail for a battery charge after he punched a photographer in 2017. In 2016, he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after a woman accused him of threatening her with a gun. He was also arrested and charged with felony assault in 2013 after an alleged incident took place outside of a hotel in Washington D.C. He was later released without bail after the charge was lessened to a misdemeanor.
And perhaps, most famously, he physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in his car in a 2009 incident.
People supporting Chris Brown is part of the reason women don’t come forward about domestic abuse.
— 𝐵𝑒𝓉𝒽 (@bethxt97) January 22, 2019
Perhaps now, after years of women coming forward about Brown’s violent and destructive behavior, fans will take this allegation seriously. Because victims deserve better, and fame—and yes, even talent—are not reasons to protect abusers.
