R&B superstar Chris Brown has been remanded in custody until 13 June following a court appearance in Manchester related to a serious assault charge.
The 36-year-old American singer stands accused of grievous bodily harm with intent, in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred at Tape nightclub in central London in February 2023.
During a hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Hannah Nicholls described the alleged incident as an “unprovoked attack with a weapon in a nightclub full of people.” She told the court that Brown allegedly struck music producer Abraham Diaw multiple times with a bottle, before chasing him and continuing the assault by punching and kicking him. The attack was reportedly captured on CCTV footage.
Brown appeared in court wearing sweatpants and a black T-shirt, his hair dyed blond. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and did not enter a plea.
District Judge Joanne Hirst deemed the charge too serious for a magistrates’ court and referred the case to Southwark Crown Court in London, where a plea and trial preparation hearing is set for 13 June. Brown’s bail application was denied, keeping him in custody for the time being.
The singer was arrested in the early hours of Thursday at a Manchester hotel by Metropolitan Police detectives, ahead of the planned start of his European tour, which was scheduled to kick off in the Netherlands on 8 June. He had also been due to perform at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on 15 June—an appearance now cast into doubt.
A statement from CPS London North Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Adele Kelly reminded the public of the importance of a fair trial:
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Chris Brown’s representatives have been contacted for comment, but no statement has yet been issued.
