UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the girlfriend of late “So You Think You Can Dance” star Joshua Allen, Dy’Zetta Brown, has opened up about a violent altercation that erupted during his funeral on November 8, 2023. Speaking exclusively to TMZ, Brown reveals she was attacked by a family member while paying her respects to Allen, who tragically passed away in September after being struck by a train.
The incident unfolded as Brown placed a heartfelt note on Allen’s chest and kissed him goodbye for the final time. Just moments later, she was allegedly grabbed from behind by a woman Brown identifies as an aunt on Allen’s maternal side. A now-viral video captures the chaotic scene, prompting police to respond to the funeral not once, but twice that day.
Brown states that the altercation occurred after police were informed of a restraining order against her, which she confirms was in effect due to past mental health incidents involving Allen. Although Brown was not removed from the premises, she asserts that she returned to her seat to allow grieving family members their space before approaching the open casket.
Reflecting on her tumultuous relationship with Allen, Brown explained that the protective order was beyond her control. “I repeatedly told police I didn’t want Joshua in jail—I just wanted him to get help,” she shared. The emergency protective order lasted for 90 days, from July until September 22, and was implemented following troubling signs of Allen’s mental health struggles.
Brown, who had been with Allen for nearly four years, dispels rumors that they were no longer together, stating emphatically, “We were soulmates.” She recalled their dreams of marriage, children, and building a life together. “Joshua was the love of my life,” she said, adding that their bond remained strong even during his legal troubles.
The emotional weight of this situation is compounded by the fact that both Brown and Allen’s father, Eddie Powell, acknowledge his ongoing struggles with mental health. Brown revealed her desperate attempts to secure help for Allen, including pleas to law enforcement, which she claims were ignored. Just three days before his tragic death, she contacted his probation officer, expressing her fear for his wellbeing, only to be met with a suggestion to document his behavior for potential jail time.
“This system failed him—and me,” Brown lamented. She remembers Allen as a “kind” and “talented” individual with immense potential, who deserved support rather than punishment.
Despite the turmoil surrounding the funeral incident, Brown is determined to share Allen’s story and advocate for better mental health resources. As of now, attempts by TMZ to reach Allen’s maternal family for comment have gone unanswered.
Joshua Allen, who rose to fame after winning the fourth season of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008, was only 36 years old at the time of his death. He also starred in popular films like Step Up 3D and the 2011 remake of Footloose. This tragic situation has sparked discussions about mental health awareness and the urgent need for systemic change in how such issues are handled.
As the story develops, fans and friends remember Joshua Allen not only for his talent but also for the personal struggles he faced. Brown’s heartfelt tribute and call for action resonate deeply, urging society to pay attention to the mental health crisis affecting so many.
