Bobby Brown and Bobbi Kristina’s Estate Settle Lawsuit with TV One Over Biopic
A conclusion to one of the most controversial legal battles surrounding a biopic has been reached. Bobby Brown and the estate of Bobbi Kristina have reached a settlement with TV One over the network’s portrayal of Bobbi Kristina Brown’s life. The legal dispute centered around the Bobbi Kristina biopic, which aired last month on October 8, 2017. It aired despite strong objections from both Bobby Brown and Bobbi Kristina’s estate.
The settlement comes after months of back-and-forth between Brown, the estate, and TV One. Although details of the settlement remain undisclosed, this agreement puts an end to the legal battle that followed the airing of the film. The lawsuit couldn’t prevent the film from being broadcast. However, Bobby Brown and the estate were reportedly able to secure financial compensation as part of the settlement.
The Controversial Biopic and the Lawsuit
TV One is no stranger to biopics, having produced numerous films focusing on the lives of well-known public figures. However, the Bobbi Kristina biopic caused a stir long before it even hit the airwaves. The film sought to tell the story of Bobbi Kristina Brown, daughter of the late Whitney Houston and R&B singer Bobby Brown, focusing on her life, relationships, and tragic death.
Many fans and family members felt that the biopic was made too soon. Much of this was due to the emotional nature of Bobbi Kristina’s passing in 2015. What added to the controversy was that Bobbi Kristina, though the daughter of musical royalty, was not a major public figure in her own right. This raised questions as to whether it was appropriate to create a film about her life so quickly after her death.
Bobby Brown was one of the most vocal critics of the film. He objected to his portrayal in the biopic, claiming that it presented him as an absentee father and a negative influence in Bobbi Kristina’s life. Alongside his personal objections, the estate of Bobbi Kristina joined the lawsuit. Thus, citing that the film violated Bobbi Kristina’s right to privacy. Both parties were particularly upset that the film depicted personal details of her life, including her romantic relationships and her struggles in the aftermath of her mother’s death.
Bobby Brown’s Legal Battle with TV One
Bobby Brown took swift legal action when news of the biopic first emerged. In September 2017, just weeks before the film was set to air, Brown and Bobbi Kristina’s estate filed a lawsuit to block its release. Brown claimed that the film’s portrayal of him was defamatory. Additionally, the estate argued that the movie invaded Bobbi Kristina’s privacy.
Despite these efforts, TV One moved forward with airing the biopic on October 8, 2017. Thus, causing outrage among fans and family members alike. Brown’s team continued their fight in court, seeking over $2 million in damages. However, the airing of the film seemed to solidify TV One’s stance that the film had a right to be broadcast, especially given that biopics often fall under the category of dramatized depictions based on public interest.
Details of the Settlement
The lawsuit could not prevent the biopic from airing. However, it did culminate in a settlement that brought the legal dispute to a close. According to court documents, the lawsuit has been dismissed following the agreement reached between Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina’s estate, and TV One. Although the financial terms of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed, it’s speculated that Bobby Brown and the estate were able to secure a considerable sum as part of the agreement.
This settlement marks the end of a tumultuous period for Bobby Brown. He has long been in the spotlight due to his relationships with Whitney Houston and Bobbi Kristina. However, Brown has always maintained that his primary concern was protecting his daughter’s legacy. As a result, this includes preventing any misrepresentation of his relationship with her.
Public Reaction to the Biopic
The public reaction to the Bobbi Kristina biopic has been mixed. Some viewers appreciated the film for shedding light on Bobbi Kristina’s life and struggles. Meanwhile, others felt that it was exploitative and sensationalized. Many fans of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were particularly upset by the portrayal of their family’s private lives. They are arguing that the film crossed a line by delving into personal matters that should have remained private.
For Bobby Brown, the film was especially painful. After all, it depicted his relationship with his daughter in a negative light. Brown has always been adamant that he was a devoted father, despite the challenges he faced throughout his life and career. The biopic’s portrayal of him as absent and irresponsible struck a nerve. As a result, leading him to take legal action in an effort to protect his image and his daughter’s memory.
TV One’s History with Biopics
TV One has built a reputation for producing biopics that explore the lives of African American public figures. While not as prominent as BET in terms of reach, TV One has carved out a niche for itself by telling the stories of influential individuals. Their movies are often focusing on lesser-known details of their lives.
The network’s decision to create a biopic about Bobbi Kristina Brown was part of this ongoing effort to shine a spotlight on important figures in the African American community. However, this particular film faced more backlash than TV One likely anticipated, given the sensitivity of the subject matter. The network defended its decision to move forward with the biopic. Thus, stating that it sought to honor Bobbi Kristina’s life and provide insight into her struggles and triumphs.
Moving Forward: Protecting Bobbi Kristina’s Legacy
As of today, the legal battle may be over. However, the controversy surrounding the Bobbi Kristina biopic serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in telling the stories of public figures. Biopics are often created to celebrate the lives of notable individuals. But, they can also stir up strong emotions, particularly when the subjects of the films or their families feel misrepresented.
For Bobby Brown, this settlement allows him to close a painful chapter in his life. However, it also underscores his commitment to protecting his daughter’s legacy. Throughout the legal battle, Brown made it clear that his primary concern was ensuring that Bobbi Kristina was remembered in a respectful and truthful manner.
As TV One continues to produce biopics, it will likely face similar challenges. These challenges may come when dealing with the stories of individuals who are closely tied to major public figures like Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. In the meantime, fans of Bobbi Kristina will continue to mourn her loss. Additionally, they will celebrate the impact she had on those around her.
