UPDATE: The girlfriend of late “So You Think You Can Dance” star Joshua Allen, Dy’Zetta Brown, has shared her emotional account of the shocking fight that erupted during his funeral on November 8, 2023. Brown claims she was attacked by a family member at the service, shedding light on the turmoil surrounding Allen’s untimely death.
In an exclusive interview with TMZ, Brown explained that she was invited to the funeral by Allen’s family. However, chaos ensued when she placed a note on Allen’s chest and kissed him goodbye. Brown alleges that she was suddenly grabbed from behind by a woman she identifies as Allen’s aunt, leading to a now-viral confrontation that captured the attention of social media.
Police were called to the funeral service twice that day, with the first incident reportedly involving claims from Allen’s maternal side about a restraining order against Brown. Despite the tumult, Brown remained at the service, later returning to the open casket after allowing family members some private moments with Allen.
Brown confirmed she had a 90-day emergency protective order against Allen from July to September 22, 2023, related to his mental health struggles. She expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “I had no control over that decision. I repeatedly told police I didn’t want Joshua in jail — I just wanted him to get help.” Brown alleged that the police did not prioritize Allen’s well-being, saying, “The system did what it wanted — not what was best for him.”
Addressing accusations that she was Allen’s ex, Brown clarified that they had been together for nearly four years. She described their deep bond, stating, “Joshua was the love of my life. We talked about marriage, having children, buying a home, and traveling.” Their anniversary of living together fell on the date of his funeral, adding to the emotional weight of the day.
Brown recounted how she desperately sought help for Allen, who died after being struck by a train in September. She noted alarming signs during their relationship, including intense attachment and paranoia. “Three days before his death, I contacted his probation officer and told her I was scared. Her response? ‘Record him so we can send him back to jail,'” Brown recalled, emphasizing her belief that the system failed them both.
Describing Allen as “kind” and “talented,” she lamented what could have been, stating, “He had so much to offer the world.” Despite the tragedy, Brown remains vocal about her love and the challenges they faced together, urging others to understand the complexities of mental health.
The fallout from Allen’s funeral continues to develop, with both Brown and Allen’s father, Eddie Powell, confirming ongoing struggles with mental health issues that preceded his death. As the investigation into the funeral altercation unfolds, the family has not yet responded to inquiries from media outlets.
Joshua Allen rose to fame after winning Season 4 of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008, with notable roles in Step Up 3D (2010) and the Footloose remake (2011). He passed away at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy in the dance community and a profound impact on those who loved him.
As new developments arise regarding the funeral incident and the ongoing conversations about mental health, the public is urged to reflect on the importance of support systems for individuals in crisis.