Chris Brown Arrested in the UK Over 2023 Nightclub Assault Allegation
R&B superstar Chris Brown was arrested early Thursday morning in Manchester, England, in connection with a serious assault allegation stemming from an incident more than two years ago. The arrest took place at The Lowry Hotel, a five-star property where Brown had been staying after arriving in the UK for upcoming tour dates.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Brown was taken into custody around 2 a.m. on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. The arrest is related to a February 2023 incident at Tape nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair district, where Brown allegedly assaulted music producer Abe Diaw.
The charge carries a 10 year prison sentence, Media take Out confirmed.
Diaw has claimed that Brown struck him multiple times with a glass bottle before continuing the assault while he was on the ground. He described the alleged incident as “unprovoked,” stating that Brown and members of his entourage were attending a club night called “Dirty Martini” when the altercation occurred. The injuries were reportedly significant enough to warrant hospital treatment.
Police confirmed in a statement:
“A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday, May 15 on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He has been taken into custody where he remains. The arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on February 19, 2023.”
The timing of the arrest is notable. Brown had just arrived in the UK on a private jet and was expected to perform a series of shows across Britain and Ireland as part of his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, set to begin on June 15 at Co-op Live in Manchester. The tour includes high-profile stops at Villa Park in Birmingham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and a date in Rathfarnham, Ireland, before concluding back in Manchester on July 3.
Whether the arrest will impact these tour dates is still unknown, as Brown remains in custody and has yet to issue a public statement regarding the allegations.
Brown, now 36, has had a highly public career filled with both success and controversy. He broke out at the age of 16 with his debut hit “Run It!” and went on to release over ten studio albums, earning Grammy Awards and selling millions of records globally. He’s also known for chart-toppers like “No Air” with Jordin Sparks and “Forever,” and continues to enjoy a strong international fan base.
However, Brown’s legal troubles have often made headlines. Most notably, he pleaded guilty to felony assault in 2009 following a domestic incident involving then-girlfriend Rihanna, and has faced a series of legal issues in the years since.
This latest arrest adds to the complex legacy surrounding Brown — a globally recognized artist whose talent has long been shadowed by personal controversies.
As this case unfolds, more information is expected to be released by UK authorities. Brown’s legal team has not yet commented on the arrest or the allegations.
