
Chris Brown Court Appearance Sparks Legal and Tour Uncertainty. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– Following an arrest over an incident that happened in 2023, R&B superstar Chris Brown appeared before the Manchester Magistrates’ Court. He is being charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.
The explosive case stems from a violent incident on February 19, 2023, at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, where music producer Abe Diaw claims Brown launched a brutal, unprovoked assault using a Don Julio 1942 tequila bottle. In a lawsuit filed a year ago, Diaw claimed that Brown cracked a bottle over his head and continued to hit and kick him until he blacked out.
Brown, 36, was arrested at 2 a.m. Thursday at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, just hours after arriving in the UK for his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour. Prosecutors Speak Out Adele Kelly, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, confirmed the charge, noting that following a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence, the CPS has directed the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown with a single charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.
She added that criminal proceedings are ongoing, and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial. Kelly further encouraged the public and the media to refrain from making any comments that may prejudice the case.
Courtroom Drama Brown appeared composed but silent during the brief hearing. He was remanded in custody, with a bail hearing expected within days. His legal team declined to comment as they left court. One insider described the courtroom as “tense and packed”, with media and fans flooding the steps outside.
Alleged Victim Files Lawsuit
Abe Diaw filed a $16 million civil lawsuit in 2023, claiming he suffered head trauma, torn ligaments, and psychological damage.
“This wasn’t just a fight. It was attempted murder,” Diaw stated through his lawyer. “He didn’t stop even when I was unconscious.”
Tour in Jeopardy
Brown’s upcoming UK tour, which includes sold-out dates in London, Glasgow, and Manchester, now hangs in the balance.
“We are reviewing the situation,” said a rep for the tour’s promoters. “A decision on whether the shows will go ahead is pending.”
Brown’s Past Comes Back
This isn’t Brown’s first brush with the law. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony assault against Rihanna, and since then, he’s faced multiple lawsuits and legal issues.
“You’d think he’d learn by now,” one fan said outside court. “He’s too talented to keep doing this to himself.”