Chris Brown Denied Bail in UK, Remains in Custody Until June 13 Over 2023 Nightclub Assault Charge
Manchester, UK – May 16, 2025 – American R&B singer Chris Brown, 36, has been denied bail and ordered to remain in custody until his next court hearing on June 13, 2025, following his arrest in Manchester, England, on charges of grievous bodily harm with intent. The arrest, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, stems from an alleged assault at a London nightclub in February 2023, casting uncertainty over Brown’s upcoming Breezy Bowl XX world tour.
Arrest and Charges
Brown was apprehended at The Lowry Hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, shortly after 2 a.m. on May 15, hours after arriving in the UK via private jet for tour preparations. The Metropolitan Police, acting on a warrant, arrested the singer on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to music producer Abe Diaw at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair, Central London, on February 19, 2023. Authorities allege Brown struck Diaw with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila, causing severe injuries, and continued the assault by stomping on Diaw while he was unconscious.
On Thursday evening, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorized a formal charge of grievous bodily harm with intent under section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Adele Kelly, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, confirmed the charge, stating, “We have authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown, 36, with one count of grievous bodily harm.”
Court Appearance and Bail Denial
Brown appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 16, where he confirmed his name, birth date, and temporary address at The Lowry Hotel. Dressed in a black T-shirt and sweatpants with bleached blonde hair, he faced District Judge Joanne Hirst, who deemed the alleged offense “too serious” for the magistrates’ court. The case was escalated to Southwark Crown Court in London for a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for June 13, 2025.
Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls argued against granting bail, describing the incident as “an unprovoked attack with a weapon in a nightclub full of people.” Judge Hirst agreed, ordering Brown to remain in custody until the June hearing, citing the severity of the charge and public safety concerns.
Impact on Upcoming Tour
The ruling jeopardizes Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX tour, set to begin in Amsterdam on June 8, with UK dates in Manchester, Birmingham, and London scheduled for June and July. The June 13 hearing coincides with a planned performance in Frankfurt, Germany, making it likely Brown will miss at least the tour’s opening dates. Fans and promoters are left in limbo, with no official statement from Brown’s team regarding potential cancellations or rescheduling.
Background of the Alleged Incident
The alleged assault occurred at the Tape nightclub, a popular celebrity hangout in London’s Mayfair district. Abe Diaw, the music producer named as the victim, filed a civil lawsuit against Brown in November 2023, claiming he sustained severe injuries requiring medical treatment. Diaw’s attorney, Ryan J. Daneshrad, issued a statement following the arrest, emphasizing the gravity of his client’s condition and their intent to pursue “all legal options” to hold Brown accountable.
Reports indicate the incident involved Brown allegedly smashing a tequila bottle over Diaw’s head, followed by further physical assault. The Metropolitan Police investigated the case over two years, culminating in Brown’s arrest upon his arrival in the UK, where he had been previously banned from entering due to his criminal record until recent tour-related permissions.
Brown’s Legal History
Chris Brown’s legal troubles are well-documented. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony assault for attacking his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, resulting in five years of probation, community service, and domestic violence counseling. The incident led to a UK entry ban, lifted only recently for his 2025 tour. Brown faced additional arrests in 2013 for felony assault in Washington, D.C., and other charges over the years, contributing to his controversial public image.
Public sentiment on X reflects polarized views. Some users, citing Brown’s history, support the custody decision, with one stating, “Chris Brown being arrested on arrival in the UK, charged and now remanded in custody until at least 13th June meaning he misses the start of his tour is honestly just karma tbh.” Others, including fans, expressed dismay, with one pleading, “Please @POTUS46Archive rescue him,” highlighting Brown’s fanbase’s loyalty despite his legal issues.
Misinformation and Clarifications
Some X posts inaccurately claimed Brown was arrested for “suspected harmful tweets,” a false narrative quickly debunked by credible reports confirming the nightclub assault charge. Such misinformation underscores the need for caution when interpreting social media claims.
What’s Next?
Brown’s legal team has not publicly commented on the case or the bail denial. The June 13 hearing at Southwark Crown Court will determine the next steps, including whether Brown enters a plea and if the case proceeds to trial. The outcome could significantly impact his career, particularly his ability to perform internationally, given the UK’s strict stance on his prior convictions.
Diaw’s civil lawsuit remains active, potentially complicating Brown’s legal battles. Meanwhile, the music industry and fans await clarity on the tour’s fate, with some speculating promoters may seek alternative arrangements if Brown’s custody extends beyond June.
Conclusion
Chris Brown’s arrest and remand in the UK mark another chapter in the singer’s tumultuous legal history. As he awaits his June 13 court date, the allegations of a violent nightclub assault in 2023 loom large, threatening his global tour and public image. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of Brown’s behavior and raises questions about accountability for high-profile figures with troubled pasts.
