Singer Chris Brown has been arrested in Manchester on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to music producer Abe Diaw, stemming from an alleged attack at a Mayfair nightclub in February 2023.
Greater Manchester Police detained the 36-year-old R&B star at the five-star Lowry Hotel around 2 am on Thursday. Brown had arrived in the UK the previous day via private jet, reportedly to begin preparations for the UK leg of his upcoming tour.
According to reports, Brown and his entourage were at Tape nightclub in central London on the night of the alleged incident. Diaw claims the artist struck him with a bottle before punching and kicking him while he was on the ground, resulting in injuries that required hospitalisation.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed Brown’s arrest, stating:
“A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 02:00hrs on Thursday, 15 May, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He has been taken into custody, where he remains.”
The alleged assault, which occurred in Hanover Square, is being investigated by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit.
In addition to the police investigation, Diaw launched a civil lawsuit against Brown seeking damages of $16 million (£12 million).
The arrest raises questions about the future of Brown’s “Breezy Bowl XX Tour,” which celebrates his 20-year career. The tour is scheduled to begin on 8 June in Amsterdam before moving to several UK cities, including Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, London, and Birmingham. U.S. artist Bryson Tiller is expected to join him as the opener for the European and UK dates.
Brown’s previous “11:11 Tour” in 2024 earned over $82 million and drew nearly half a million fans.
As of Thursday morning, Chris Brown remains in custody.
