Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown has been arrested in the UK and charged with causing grievous bodily harm over an alleged attack at a London nightclub in 2023. The 36-year-old was taken into custody at a Manchester hotel and appeared in court, where he was denied bail.
Brown is accused of assaulting music producer Abe Diaw at the Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district on February 19, 2023. Diaw claims Brown hit him with a bottle, punched, and kicked him, leaving him hospitalized. The producer has also filed a $16 million (£12 million) lawsuit against the singer.
The incident came to light after The Sun newspaper alerted police about Brown’s presence in the UK. Officers arrested him early Thursday at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester. He was charged under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which covers grievous bodily harm with intent.
Adele Kelly, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown with one count of grievous bodily harm. The alleged incident occurred in London on 19 February 2023. Criminal proceedings are active, and he has the right to a fair trial.”
Brown appeared in Manchester Magistrates’ Court wearing a black tracksuit and confirmed his name and date of birth. The judge ruled the case too serious for a magistrates’ court and transferred it to Southwark Crown Court, where Brown’s next hearing is set for June 13.
The singer’s legal troubles come as he prepares for his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, set to begin in Europe next month. The UK leg includes shows in Manchester, Cardiff, and London. Fans are now questioning whether the tour will proceed as planned.
This is not Brown’s first legal issue. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Since then, he has faced multiple accusations of violence, including altercations with fans and security personnel.
Diaw’s lawsuit claims the attack left him with severe injuries. He told The Sun that Brown’s alleged assault was unprovoked. Police confirmed the arrest was linked to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square, though they did not name Brown initially due to UK laws restricting suspect identification before charges are filed.
Brown’s representatives have not commented on the case. His arrest has sparked debates online, with some fans supporting him while others criticize his history of violent behavior.
The singer arrived in the UK via private jet on Wednesday, possibly for tour rehearsals. His arrest followed a tip-off to police about his presence in the country. If convicted, Brown could face significant jail time under UK law.
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Credits: Compiled from reports by CNN, BBC, Reuters, The Sun, and Sky News.
