Chris Brown visited England this week ahead of his ‘Breezy Bowl’ European tour stops next month, and now, he’s sitting behind bars. According to an exclusive report by The Sun, detectives arrested the superstar in Manchester in connection with a violent past incident at a nightclub. So far, he and his team have not addressed the news, but here are the reported details.
Editor’s Note: This article was published on May 15 and updated on May 16-17 to reflect new information in the case. Keep reading to see the latest update.
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Chris Brown Charged In Case, Will Remain In Custody (UPDATE)
According to the Associated Press, Chris Brown was formally charged with “one count of causing grievous bodily harm” following his arrest on Thursday. London Metropolitan Police learned of Brown’s presence in the U.K. and traveled to Manchester to arrest him. Police reportedly held him in custody, and he appeared in the Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday (May 16) for a hearing. According to PEOPLE, Chris wore all-black Nike tracksuit bottoms and a black t-shirt for his court appearance.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News reported that Chris Brown will remain in police custody until June 13. That’s the date of his next court hearing, set for 10 a.m. local time. District Judge Joanne Hirst told Breezy in court that his charge is “too serious” for the Magistrates’ Court to handle, and escalated the case to the Southwark Crown Court in London.
Additionally, Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls said CCTV footage captured the 2023 incident, which happened in front of a packed nightclub. Despite his lawyer, Grace Forbes, arguing that he’s not a flight risk, Chris was denied bail at the prosecutor’s request. Forbes attempted to explain that the superstar is “photographed almost daily,” and that the case will “increase” that. So, the press would be tracking the singer’s moves, doing the police work. Still, the judge denied the bail as Chris reportedly started ahead without reaction.
Will Breezy’s Tour Still Happen? (UPDATE)
After the judge remanded Chris Brown into custody, fans have heavily questioned whether ‘Breezy Bowl’ is still on track. He was supposed to kick off the 20th anniversary celebration on June 8th in Amsterdam. However, that’s days before the next court hearing on the 13th. His team has yet to announce what the plan is for ticketholders. Depending on the court’s ruling, he could be granted a suspended sentence or face longer jail time, given the severity of the crime in U.K. law.
Breezy was also supposed to perform in Manchester, England, on the 15th. Again, it seems these dates are still up in the air! It’s also unclear whether he’ll be able to keep his North American tour dates, starting in July. His tour guests, including Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller, have not spoken out.
More Details About Chris Brown’s Arrest
The Sun reports that cops detained Brown at about 2 a.m. on Thursday (May 15) at The Lowry Hotel and brought him in for questioning. His arrest reportedly happened a few hours after he landed at the Manchester Airport in a private plane.
Detectives suspect the singer of causing grievous bodily harm to a producer named Abe Diaw on February 19, 2023. The incident allegedly occurred at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, Central London. Detectives say Breezy attacked Abe by smashing a bottle on his head before punching and kicking him on the ground.
At his court hearing on Friday, prosecutor Nicholls reportedly argued that Brown hit Abe Diaw “several times.” Breezy also allegedly chased the producer across the bar, punched and kicked him, with another person.
Lawyer For Abe Diaw Speaks Out
Diaw later filed a civil $16 million lawsuit against Chris Brown over the incident. His lawyer in the lawsuit, Ryan J. Daneshrad, told TMZ on Thursday that they can confirm Chris Brown was involved in the nightclub attack.
“…We can confirm that Chris Brown was involved in an incident with our client, and the injuries sustained are serious. We are pursuing all legal remedies to hold him accountable. At this time, we will let the facts speak for themselves through the proper legal channels.”
Chris Brown Sparked Social Media Reactions With Tory Lanez Post
Meanwhile, news of Chris Brown’s Manchester arrest comes after he went viral for posting about Tory Lanez on Wednesday (May 14). In a press conference, Lanez’s legal team claimed to have new evidence supporting their client’s alleged innocence. Attorney Walter Roberts said a bodyguard for Megan Thee Stallion‘s ex-friend, Kelsey Harris, overheard Harris admitting to being the shooter. As previously reported, Tory is currently serving a 10-year sentence after a jury found him guilty of assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm, and negligent discharge of a gun.
The update flooded the internet streets, sparking viral reactions from the rapper’s fans and celebrities. Breezy also wasted no time showing his support for the Canadian rapper. On his Instagram Stories, Chris Brown wrote, “FREE TORY!!!”
Brown’s comment inspired a slew of reactions, including some folks citing his history with violence. As expected, the February 2009 car incident with Rihanna was heavily mentioned. According to PEOPLE, Breezy was charged with felony assault and making criminal threats about one month after an argument between the couple escalated. Then, in June 2009, he pleaded guilty to the charges. He copped a plea that included community service, five years’ probation, and domestic violence counseling, which he completed in 2010.
