Lawsuit Filed Against Chris Brown Over Mugshot Video
R&B superstar Chris Brown was hit with a lawsuit filed by a woman named Angela Reliford, who accuses the singer of publicly humiliating her by reposting a manipulated video featuring her mugshot. The case, which was first reported by theJasmineBRAND, is already sparking major conversation online due to the nature of the allegations and the role social media played in the alleged harm.
This isn’t the first time a celebrity got hit with a lawsuit like this. Infamously, Teairra Mari had her intimate videos uploaded on her own social media in 2018. Known for his jokes and trolling, 50 Cent reposted the videos. However, Teairra Mari’s videos were shared without her consent. As a result, she sued 50. But that situation backfired. So, 50 ended up countersuing Teairra Mari, winning, and relentlessly demanding his money.
Chris Brown, meanwhile, has yet to even respond to the lawsuit Reliford has filed against him.
Who Is Angela Reliford?
Angela Reliford is not a public figure, but her name became widely circulated online after she filed this lawsuit against Brown in a Nevada court. Notably, Reliford is representing herself in the legal matter. Thus, filing the claim pro se (without a lawyer). Her allegations hinge on a video that allegedly features her mugshot and was reposted to Chris Brown’s massive social media following without her consent.
While Reliford is now suing Chris Brown, she was not always against him. In fact, she was once one of his biggest fans. As recently as July 2024, she was known on Instagram as @chrisbrownswife777. During that period of time, she got into an argument with one of Brown’s dancers. Apparently, that situation put her on the radar of Brown.
Allegedly, Reliford got into this altercation with one of Brown’s dancers at an afterparty. As a result, she then made a video targeting the dancer. When Chris saw it, he reposted the video, referring to it as “scary.” Now, Angela Reliford has gone from being one of Chris Brown’s biggest fans to being the woman suing him.
The Video at the Center of the Lawsuit
According to Reliford, Chris Brown reposted a fan-edited video that included her mugshot, set to distorted audio and what she described as “devil music.” The clip, she says, portrayed her in a false and extremely negative light, further intensified by captions that falsely suggested she intended to harm Brown and his dancers.
Reliford claims Brown did not verify the authenticity of the video before reposting it to his official accounts, which collectively reach over 145 million followers. The lawsuit argues that this carelessness resulted in major harm to Reliford’s reputation and mental health.
With the exposure and being seen by that many people, that can be stressful. Reliford wasted no time getting her information together. Now, she has placed Chris Brown in the center of more headlines. In his career, Brown has been no stranger to lawsuits. However, he likely never expected to wind up being sued over a video he posted.
Allegations of Harassment and Emotional Distress
In the suit, Reliford outlines how the viral nature of Brown’s repost led to her being publicly ridiculed and harassed online. She says she has suffered substantial emotional distress, including anxiety, fear, and feelings of being unsafe, as Brown’s fanbase allegedly began sending her threatening and harassing messages following the post.
Reliford is seeking unspecified damages, meaning the exact amount she is asking for has not been disclosed. However, the emphasis on reputational harm and emotional distress makes it clear she is pursuing compensation for both psychological and social consequences.
Chris Brown Has Not Responded
As of this article’s publication, Chris Brown has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. According to theJasmineBRAND, which obtained the court documents and broke the story, Brown has remained silent on the issue. His legal team has also not released a statement.
Brown has had a history of public controversies and legal challenges, but this new case adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of how celebrities engage on social media. Through his career, Brown has been known for his social media clapbacks.
While he has not responded to Angela Reliford’s lawsuit, he’s had classic comebacks. A few years ago, when Marques Houston left a flirty comment on Karrueche’s IG post, Brown commented: “Go home, Roger.” As a result, that interaction went viral. But he has not made any public statements about the lawsuit he’s facing.
Social Media’s Role in the Case
The role of social media in this case is central. Reliford claims that Brown’s massive platform amplified the edited content, which otherwise might not have gained any attention. In the age of viral content, reposting even seemingly humorous or harmless videos can have devastating consequences for those portrayed.
The repost in question reportedly went viral shortly after being shared, adding further fuel to the backlash against Reliford. While the lawsuit does not allege that Brown himself edited the video, it holds him accountable for using his platform to spread it without fact-checking or considering its implications.
Online Commentary and Reactions
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) show that the lawsuit has generated mixed reactions. Some users believe Reliford is exaggerating the impact of the video, while others argue that Brown should be held responsible for reposting something defamatory to his massive audience.
“Bro got 100M+ followers. Anything he posts gonna blow. You can’t just throw random faces in the mix,” one user posted.
“This is why celebs need PR training. They act like reposting a meme ain’t a big deal, then boom: defamation suit,” another user wrote.
These comments highlight the thin line between influencer engagement and accountability, especially when viral content can drastically alter someone’s public image.
Prior History Between Reliford and Brown
Adding complexity to the case is the revelation that Reliford had been previously identified in reports as someone who allegedly stalked Brown. A July 2024 article from Baller Alert named Reliford in connection with threats made against Brown’s dance team. However, no criminal charges were filed in that case.
Reliford’s current lawsuit does not reference these past allegations, and legally, they are unrelated. However, the court of public opinion may be influenced by the background, especially as more details about the relationship between the two parties come to light.
Conclusion: A Case to Watch
This lawsuit highlights the real-world consequences of viral media in the hands of powerful influencers. Chris Brown’s repost may have been intended as a joke or overlooked as harmless content. However, to Angela Reliford, it has become a serious issue tied to her mental health and public image.
Whether the court rules in her favor or not, this case reminds us of the weight a celebrity’s platform holds and the responsibilities that come with it in today’s digital-first world.
Expect further developments as Brown’s team responds and the case progresses through the court system.
