Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown’s upcoming tour has been cast into uncertainty after a British judge ordered him to remain in custody while facing charges of assaulting a music producer in a London nightclub in 2023.
The 36-year-old singer appeared in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he faced one charge of causing grievous bodily harm. He was denied bail and will remain in custody until his next hearing on June 13, the same day he is scheduled to perform in Frankfurt, Germany, as part of his world tour.
Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls argued that the offense was “extremely serious,” stating that in February 2023, while touring the UK, Brown attacked producer Abe Diaw at Tape nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair area. According to Nicholls, Brown struck Diaw multiple times with a bottle, chased him, and then proceeded to punch and kick him in front of a crowd, an incident captured on surveillance footage.
Brown’s defense attorney, Grace Forbes, contended that the singer was not a flight risk and should be granted bail. Brown, dressed in sweatpants and a black T-shirt with bleached blonde hair, confirmed his personal details in court. He was arrested on Thursday morning at the Lowry Hotel, where he had been staying, and taken into custody.
His case has now been transferred to Southwark Crown Court in London, where Brown is expected to enter a plea to the charge. His representatives have not responded to requests for comment.
Chris Brown, often referred to as “Breezy,” gained fame as a teenager in 2005 and has remained a prominent figure in music with hits like “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss,” and “Without You.” He won his first Grammy in 2011 for Best R&B Album with F.A.M.E. and received his second Grammy earlier this year for 11:11 (Deluxe).
Despite the legal issues, Brown’s planned international tour is still on, with artists Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller set to join him. The tour is set to begin with a European leg on June 8 in Amsterdam, followed by North American shows in July.
