Chris Brown appeals against house graffiti ruling

Chris Brown is fighting back against local officials after he was ordered to remove his graffiti artworks from the outside of his Los Angeles home, insisting the murals are a "reflection of free speech and expression".

The singer's neighbours complained to authorities about the colourful monsters which decorate the walls of his property, and last month (May13), he was ordered to pay a $376 fine for unpermitted and excessive signage and given 30 days to remove the mural.

However, Brown has now lodged an appeal arguing the graffiti is art which "(enhances) the architectural and aesthetic features of the residential property".

In his filing, Brown also states, "The murals are a reflection of (my) aesthetic taste and a reflection of free speech and expression protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution."

The outcome of the battle will now be decided by the board of appeals at the Department of Building and Safety, reports TMZ.com.