“Black-ish” series creator Kenya Barris recently defended their decision to cast Chris Brown as a troubled music star last season.

While speaking with TV Line, Barris said, “We wanted someone to play a troubled music star, which he was.” However, Barris admitted that he was unaware that Brown’s ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, filed a restraining order against the singer earlier this year.

“It had been 10 years since the Rihanna incident, which happened when he was a kid, basically, 19 years old. I saw him out, and he was very contrite to do something. I felt like, let’s do that,” he said.

After Brown gave life to the fictional character Rich Youngsta, his appearance in the hit ABC series received a slew of mixed reactions. Some publications like TV Line noted that it was a good opportunity for Brown to receive an acting gig despite his “history of violence, misogyny and homophobia.”

According to Barris, he was saddened over the reactions of those who watched the Season 3 episode. “The thing I felt most bothered by, by sites and by reviews, is that we are beyond conscious of what we do on that show. We are very, very aware, very much so trying to hold ourselves to a really high standard. And I felt the response was like, ‘Gotcha!’ The sad part about it is, the point behind that particular episode was fantastic. And it was completely missed… It really saddened me,” he said.

In the installment, Dre (Anthony Anderson) teamed up with Rich Youngsta for an ad campaign centered on black stereotypes. However, when Dre saw his son, Jack (Miles Brown), imitate some of the rapper’s questionable ways, he decided to revamp the ad campaign. Dre received support from his wife, Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross), and mom, Ruby (Jenifer Lewis).

Meanwhile, ABC has renewed “Black-ish” for the fourth season. The series is expected to continue focusing on timely issues involving people of color through the lives of Dre and his family.

“Black-ish” Season 4 will premiere on ABC on Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. EDT.

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