Grammy-winning artist Chris Brown’s upcoming world tour has been cast into doubt after a British judge ordered him to remain in custody while facing serious assault charges stemming from a 2023 nightclub incident in London.
The 36-year-old singer appeared in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was formally charged with causing grievous bodily harm. The court denied his request for bail, with Judge Joanne Hirst emphasizing the severity of the allegations. Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls described the incident as “extremely serious.”
The charges relate to an alleged attack on music producer Abe Diaw at Tape, an exclusive nightclub in London’s Mayfair district, during Brown’s UK tour in February 2023. According to reports, the altercation involved Brown allegedly striking Diaw with a bottle.
Brown’s attorney, Grace Forbes, argued that the singer posed no risk of fleeing the country and should be granted bail. However, the court ruled against it.
During his court appearance, Brown was accompanied by officers and appeared in casual attire—sweatpants, a black T-shirt, and bleach-blond hair. He confirmed his identity and stated his temporary residence at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel, where he was arrested early Thursday morning.
The case is set to proceed at Southwark Crown Court in London on June 13, when Brown is expected to enter a plea. Notably, that date coincides with his scheduled performance in Frankfurt, Germany—his third stop on the European leg of the tour.
Brown’s representatives have not yet issued a public response to the charges.
Known by his stage name “Breezy,” Brown rose to fame in 2005 and has remained a staple in the music industry, with hits like “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss,” and “Without You.” He earned his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2011 for F.A.M.E., and his latest win came earlier this year for 11:11 (Deluxe) in the same category.
His international tour, which includes fellow artists Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller, is slated to begin in Amsterdam on June 8, followed by a North American leg kicking off in July.
