American R&B singer Chris Brown has been remanded in custody by a UK court in connection with a 2023 assault allegation, casting uncertainty over the start of his European tour.
The 36-year-old artist, best known for hits like “Kiss Kiss” and a string of legal controversies, appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday. District Judge Joanne Hirst ordered him to remain in custody until June 13, when he will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Brown’s bail application was denied, placing his scheduled concerts — including sold-out shows in the Netherlands (June 8) and Germany (June 11) — in doubt. Notably, his next court date coincides with his planned performance in Germany.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Brown was arrested at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday. He was charged with “grievous bodily harm with intent” following an alleged bottle attack on music producer Abe Diaw at Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district on February 19, 2023.
At the time of the incident, Brown was touring the UK.
This latest arrest adds to a long list of legal troubles for the Grammy-winning singer, whose public image has been clouded by past convictions and allegations. In 2009, he was convicted of felony assault against pop star Rihanna, an incident that made international headlines. He has since faced various accusations involving violence, including a nightclub brawl with Drake’s entourage in 2012, a 2014 assault on a fan in Washington, and a 2016 arrest following a firearm-related claim.
Despite his legal woes, Brown remains one of the most commercially successful R&B artists of his generation, having sold tens of millions of records worldwide.
With his European tour now hanging in the balance, fans and promoters alike await further developments ahead of the June 13 court date.
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