The booking, part of the Breezy Bowl XX Tour celebrating Brown’s 20th year in music, comes on the heels of ongoing controversies at the venue, including the San Diego Rodeo, signaling that the San Diego Padres organization is not shying away from hosting polarizing events despite public criticism. The Chris Brown concert, scheduled with opening acts Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, has drawn sharp criticism from San Diegans on platforms like Reddit.
A post on r/SanDiegan reads, "The singer best known for his felony assault against Rihanna is scheduled to perform at Petco Park in September. Over the years, he’s faced multiple serious allegations—including sexual assault and violence—some of which are still ongoing." Another user on r/SanDiego questioned, "Why is Petco Park allowing Chris Brown to perform with all his allegations and abuse? Why would they give him a platform?"
Petco Park Events, the Padres' division managing non-baseball bookings, did not respond to inquiries sent to CEO Erik Greupner, Vice President of Communications Craig Hughner, and Director of Business Communications Danny Sanchez. The division also blocked this publication on Instagram following prior reporting on the 2024 San Diego Rodeo. Mayor Todd Gloria's office similarly offered no comment.
Brown’s legal troubles date back to 2009, when he pleaded guilty to felony assault for beating then-girlfriend Rihanna, an incident that gained international attention due to graphic photos of her injuries. Subsequent allegations include a 2017 restraining order granted to model Karrueche Tran after claims of violence and threats, a 2013 battery accusation in San Diego, a 2019 arrest in Paris for aggravated rape (charges later dropped), and a 2022 $20 million sexual assault lawsuit that was dismissed.
Brown’s legal troubles date back to 2009, when he pleaded guilty to felony assault for beating then-girlfriend Rihanna, an incident that gained international attention due to graphic photos of her injuries. Subsequent allegations include a 2017 restraining order granted to model Karrueche Tran after claims of violence and threats, a 2013 battery accusation in San Diego, a 2019 arrest in Paris for aggravated rape (charges later dropped), and a 2022 $20 million sexual assault lawsuit that was dismissed.
In 2024, Brown faced $65 million in lawsuits over alleged violent assaults of four concertgoers at a Texas concert. He has also filed a $500 million defamation suit against Warner Bros. Discovery over a 2024 documentary detailing rape allegations, which he disputes. Despite these issues, Brown’s tour includes major venues like Ford Field in Detroit and Fenway Park in Boston.
Petco Park's decision to host Brown follows other controversial events that have put the Padres organization under fire. The San Diego Rodeo, held at the stadium, has been a lightning rod for debate over animal welfare. In January 2024, the inaugural rodeo faced protests after a horse, Waco Kid, crashed into a barricade during an Indigenous Relay Race, with animal rights groups filing a lawsuit alleging municipal code violations.
Petco Park's decision to host Brown follows other controversial events that have put the Padres organization under fire. The San Diego Rodeo, held at the stadium, has been a lightning rod for debate over animal welfare. In January 2024, the inaugural rodeo faced protests after a horse, Waco Kid, crashed into a barricade during an Indigenous Relay Race, with animal rights groups filing a lawsuit alleging municipal code violations.
The 2025 rodeo, held January 10-12, drew further criticism when a third-trimester pregnant horse died during a saddle bronc event from a ruptured uterine artery, as confirmed by a San Diego Humane Society investigation. Although no criminal negligence was found, the Humane Society called for a citywide rodeo ban, noting both events resulted in animal harm. Attorney Bryan Pease, representing animal advocacy groups, criticized the findings as "whitewashed," while supporters like the San Diego Rodeo Alliance defended the event as a cultural tradition, backed by $150,000 in city tourism funds.
The Padres’ willingness to host such events despite backlash suggests a pattern of embracing controversial bookings at Petco Park, a publicly owned venue operated by the team since its 2004 opening. The stadium, home to 41,500-capacity Padres games, also hosts concerts and festivals, but its recent choices have fueled debate.
The Padres’ willingness to host such events despite backlash suggests a pattern of embracing controversial bookings at Petco Park, a publicly owned venue operated by the team since its 2004 opening. The stadium, home to 41,500-capacity Padres games, also hosts concerts and festivals, but its recent choices have fueled debate.
Critics argue that hosting Brown sends a troubling message to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, especially in the #MeToo era, where figures like R. Kelly faced venue bans before convictions. Community members are now calling for the Padres to reconsider Brown’s concert, with some suggesting a boycott and urging contact with Petco Park Events at [email protected], Mayor Gloria at [email protected], and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn at [email protected].
Support resources remain available for those affected by domestic violence through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788, and for sexual assault survivors via the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org.
Support resources remain available for those affected by domestic violence through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788, and for sexual assault survivors via the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org.
Originally published on April 10, 2025.
