American R&B artist Chris Brown has been remanded in custody in the UK following his court appearance in Manchester, where he faces a charge of grievous bodily harm (GBH) in connection with an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.
The 36-year-old singer was arrested on Thursday at The Lowry Hotel in Salford and formally charged over the incident, which reportedly occurred at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, central London. Brown is accused of seriously injuring music producer Abe Diaw during the altercation.
At Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Brown—dressed casually in a black tracksuit and T-shirt—confirmed his identity and stated The Lowry Hotel as his current residence. Due to the serious nature of the offense, District Judge Joanne Hirst transferred the case to Southwark Crown Court in London. The next hearing is scheduled for June 13.
“This court does not have jurisdiction to deal with such a serious matter,” Judge Hirst stated.
Brown had been in the UK as part of preparations for his summer tour, with planned performances at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, following earlier shows in Amsterdam and Germany. The status of these tour dates is now uncertain.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, some visibly emotional. One fan, Candy, 35, told the BBC she cancelled her day’s plans to show support: “I’ve followed Chris since I was 14. I couldn’t sleep after hearing about his arrest. Even my kids love his music.”
Chris Brown’s career, while marked by international success and a devoted fanbase, has also been overshadowed by numerous legal issues. A conviction for GBH with intent could lead to a substantial prison sentence under UK law.
