MANCHESTER, England — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown has been ordered held in custody by a British court after being charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with a violent 2023 assault on a music producer at a nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair district.
The 36-year-old American artist appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday after being arrested early Thursday morning at the Lowry Hotel, where he was staying while in the country. Brown, who was touring the U.K. at the time of the incident, allegedly attacked producer Abe Diaw inside the exclusive Tape London nightclub on February 19, 2023.
Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls described the attack as “extremely serious,” telling the court that Brown struck Diaw multiple times in the head with a bottle before chasing, punching, and kicking him in full view of nightclub patrons. The assault, she said, was captured on security camera footage and left the victim hospitalized.
Wearing sweatpants and a black T-shirt, with his hair dyed platinum blond, Brown spoke only to confirm his name, birth date, and address during the brief hearing. He did not enter a plea. Court officials confirmed that the singer’s case has now been transferred to Southwark Crown Court in London, where he is scheduled to appear on June 13.
No immediate comment was offered by Brown’s representatives when contacted by The Associated Press.
The Sun newspaper first reported Brown’s arrest and the allegations, noting that the music producer, Diaw, claimed to have suffered severe injuries following what he described as an unprovoked attack. According to the report, Brown was in the U.K. for a series of performances when the incident occurred.
Police from London’s Metropolitan Police force reportedly traveled to Manchester after learning of Brown’s presence in the country and took him into custody Thursday morning.
Brown, also known by his nickname “Breezy,” first rose to stardom as a teenager in 2005 and has since built a chart-topping career with hit songs including “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss,” and “Without You.” He has received multiple accolades, including two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album — one in 2011 for F.A.M.E. and another earlier this year for 11:11 (Deluxe).
The charges come just weeks before the scheduled launch of Brown’s international tour, which features artists Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller. The tour is set to begin in Europe next month before heading to North America in July. It remains unclear how the legal proceedings in the U.K. will affect his travel and performance schedule.
Brown’s latest legal trouble marks another chapter in a history of high-profile run-ins with the law. While he has maintained a loyal fan base and steady commercial success, past incidents — including his 2009 felony assault conviction involving then-girlfriend Rihanna — have continued to shadow his career.
If convicted of the current charge, Brown faces significant legal consequences under British law. The charge of causing grievous bodily harm can carry a lengthy prison sentence depending on the severity of the injuries and intent of the attacker.
As of Friday, the court has remanded Brown into custody pending his next hearing.
