R&B superstar Chris Brown has been remanded in custody after being charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent. The 36 year old singer appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court following allegations he violently attacked music producer Abraham Diaw at Tape nightclub in central London in February 2023. The judge denied bail, and Brown will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 13 June.
Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls told the court that Brown carried out “an unprovoked attack with a weapon in a nightclub full of people.” She alleged Brown struck Diaw several times with a bottle before chasing, punching, and kicking him in an assault captured on CCTV. The serious nature of the charges led the judge to send the case to Southwark Crown Court in London for further proceedings.
During Thursday’s hearing, Brown appeared in the dock wearing sweatpants and a black T-shirt, flanked by court officers. With bleached blond hair, he spoke only to confirm his name and birth date. No plea was entered. District Judge Joanne Hirst ruled the alleged offence was too grave to be handled in her courtroom, reinforcing the need for the case to proceed in a higher court.
Brown was arrested early Thursday morning at a Manchester hotel by detectives from the Metropolitan Police. His global tour is set to kick off in the Netherlands on 8 June, and he had been scheduled to perform at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on 15 June plans now in serious doubt following his remand. His legal troubles cast a shadow over the upcoming performances.
The Crown Prosecution Service issued a reminder about the seriousness of the ongoing legal process. Adele Kelly, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, urged the public and media to avoid sharing commentary or materials that could interfere with Brown’s right to a fair trial. His representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding the charges.
