Chris Brown Claims He Was Disinvited From 2024 NBA Celebrity All-Star Game

Chris Brown says that he was invited — and then disinvited — to play at the celebrity 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

The singer posted alleged screenshots of emails on Instagram Stories early Saturday morning (Feb. 17) that apparently welcomed him to the event.

One screenshot showed an email titled “NBA All-Star 2024 Welcome x Chris Brown,” while another showed a mockup of a blue uniform he’d wear as a part of Lil Wayne’s team. “We are thrilled that you will be part of the weekend!” read the first email, which requested a press-approved headshot and bio from Brown.

“I was asked by the NBA to play in the all star game this year! Only for them to call later and say they couldn’t do IT because of their sponsors, like RUFFLES,” Brown wrote on his Instagram Stories this weekend. “At this point I’m sick of people bothering me and I’m tired of living in the f—ing past.”

“I POSTED THE EMAILS SO YALL COULD SEE. The NBA still was tryna get me to come and sit court side… NOT F—ING HAPPENING,” Brown said.

“I ONLY GO WHERE IM APPRECIATED,” he added.

Billboard reached out to a representative at the NBA for comment.

Ruffles released a statement on Saturday, writing, “Ruffles sponsored last night’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, however we did not have any involvement in, nor visibility to, any player decisions or celebrity invite discussions.”

All-Star Weekend, being held in Indianapolis, Indiana, started on Friday night with the All-Star Celebrity Game, the game in which Brown would have participated. On Saturday night, NBA stars play a skills challenge, three-point contest and slam dunk contest. The actual All-Star Game — the main event — happens on Sunday.

Ashley Iasimone

Billboard