Chris Brown has been released from custody after successfully reapplying for bail in the UK, following his arrest over a grievous bodily harm (GBH) charge related to an alleged bottle attack on a music producer in 2023.
The 36-year-old American singer was arrested at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester in the early hours of May 15, and charged in connection with an incident that took place at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, London, where Abe Diaw claims he was attacked by Brown with a bottle and further assaulted while on the floor.
Initially, Brown was remanded in custody by a Manchester Magistrates’ Court until June 13. However, during a fresh bail hearing at Southwark Crown Court, a judge granted the singer release under strict conditions, including a £5 million security payment, which serves as a guarantee he will comply with his bail terms.
As part of the bail conditions set by Judge Tony Baumgartner, Brown is allowed to continue with his international Breezy Bowl XX tour, which is scheduled to begin on June 8 in the Netherlands and includes UK dates in June and July. However, the court stipulated that he must surrender his passport when not travelling, reside at an address known to the court, avoid any contact with the alleged victim, and stay away from the nightclub where the incident occurred.
Brown was not physically present for today’s hearing, but his legal team secured the bail with support from his management. His manager, Anthony Wilson, was seen delivering food and clothes to the singer earlier in the week.
The next hearing is set for June 13 at Southwark Crown Court, with a case management hearing scheduled for October 24.
Although Brown has not yet entered a plea, the prosecution, led by Hannah Nicholls, described the attack as “extremely serious,” citing CCTV footage and eyewitnesses. The court heard that Brown allegedly struck Diaw multiple times and chased him across the venue before continuing the assault with another individual.
The music star, whose hits include “Under the Influence” and “Run It,” now faces a tough legal battle even as he prepares to return to the stage.
By Ezinne Okorie.
