By Hassan Osman Kargbo
American R&B singer Chris Brown has been remanded in custody after appearing in a UK court on charges related to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023. The 36-year-old artist, known for hits like “With You” and “Loyal,” was arrested at Lowry Hotel in Salford on Thursday before being transported to London to face charges.
Brown is accused of assaulting music producer Abe Diaw during an incident at Tape nightclub, a high-profile venue in London’s Mayfair District. According to reports, the alleged attack took place in early 2023 and involved the use of a glass bottle, causing serious injuries to Diaw.
The court heard that Brown allegedly used the bottle to strike Diaw, inflicting grievous bodily harm. The severity of the injuries and the nature of the attack prompted authorities to pursue the case after a months-long investigation.
Police confirmed that the singer was taken into custody without incident and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, a serious criminal offense under UK law. If convicted, Brown could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Brown was in Manchester preparing for his upcoming UK tour, with scheduled performances at major venues including the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this June and July. The charges and subsequent remand have cast uncertainty over the tour’s future, though no official statement has been released by his management or legal team regarding potential cancellations or postponements.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest and court appearance:
“A 36-year-old man was arrested in Salford on Thursday 16 May in connection with an ongoing investigation into a serious assault that took place in Mayfair in 2023. He was taken into custody and has since been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.”
During the brief court hearing on Friday, Brown appeared calm but did not enter a plea. He was remanded into custody by the judge, pending a further hearing. Legal experts say the decision to deny bail likely stems from the seriousness of the alleged offense and concerns about flight risk, given Brown’s international status.
The alleged victim, Abe Diaw, is a London-based music producer who has worked with various artists in the UK and internationally. His legal representatives have not commented publicly, but sources close to the case suggest he has been cooperating with police since the incident.
This is not the first time Chris Brown has faced legal trouble. The singer has a well-documented history of legal issues, including a 2009 conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna. Though he has continued a successful music career, Brown’s past controversies have repeatedly placed him under public scrutiny.
The case is expected to return to court in the coming weeks as investigations continue and formal proceedings move forward. Meanwhile, fans across the UK are left in suspense as they await clarity on whether Brown’s highly anticipated tour will go ahead as planned.
