Chris Brown Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Club Attack
R&B star Chris Brown, 36, has been ordered to remain in custody after appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 16, following his arrest in relation to a 2023 nightclub incident in London.
Brown — born Christopher Maurice Brown — was detained by Metropolitan Police at around 2 a.m. on May 15 at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel. The arrest was connected to a Feb. 19, 2023, alleged assault at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair, during which Brown is accused of smashing a bottle — purportedly a Don Julio 1942 tequila bottle — over music producer Abraham (Abe) Diaw’s head, then punching and kicking him alongside another individual .
In court, District Judge Joanne Hirst emphasized the severity of the incident, noting it “was too serious” to be handled by a magistrate’s court, and transferred the case to Southwark Crown Court with a plea hearing scheduled for June 13 . Bail was denied, resulting in Brown being remanded in custody until at least that date .
The prosecution, led by Hanna Nicholls, described the clash as an “unprovoked attack” captured on CCTV, showing Brown striking Diaw multiple times . The alleged victim reportedly suffered head lacerations and knee ligament damage, requiring hospital treatment .
Brown’s arraignment coincided with the launch of his “Breezy Bowl XX” world tour, marking the 20th anniversary of his music career. He arrived in the UK on a private jet, with Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena scheduled for June and additional performances in Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin in July 2025 . His continued detention casts uncertainty over these UK dates.
Following the initial custody refusal, Southwark Crown Court later granted bail on May 21, contingent upon a £5 million security deposit — £4 million due immediately and the remainder within seven days — along with conditions including surrendering his passport when not touring and no contact with Diaw or the nightclub venue .
Brown subsequently appeared at Southwark Crown Court on June 20, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of “attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent” relating to the February 2023 incident . On July 11, he entered further not-guilty pleas to two additional charges: “assault occasioning actual bodily harm” and “possession of an offensive weapon” (allegedly the bottle) . The case is set for trial on October 26, 2026, and is expected to last five to seven days .
In parallel, Diaw had filed a £12 million ($16 million) civil lawsuit against Brown related to the nightclub incident. However, he dropped that civil claim in June 2025 “with prejudice,” preventing it from being refiled — though the criminal proceedings continue .
This marks the latest addition to a long history of legal issues for Brown. His past includes a 2009 felony assault conviction for attacking Rihanna, a 2013 Washington D.C. misdemeanor assault, a 2016 Florida incident involving battery allegations, and a 2023 lawsuit from Fort Worth concert attendees alleging assault by him and his entourage .
What’s Next?
June 13: Plea hearing and trial preparations at Southwark Crown Court
October 26, 2026: Full trial expected to last up to a week
Bail Conditions: £5 million security bond, no contact with Diaw, passport restrictions, UK residency
Brown remains free pending trial under strict bail conditions, yet the unfolding legal drama continues to threaten both his liberty and the viability of his high-profile tour.
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