American R&B singer Chris Brown has been remanded in custody by Manchester Magistrates’ Court following allegations of a violent assault.
The court denied the star bail on Friday, citing the seriousness of the charges and the limits of the court’s jurisdiction.
Bail refused by magistrate
Justice Joanne Hirst, who presided over the brief court hearing, ordered that Brown remain in custody pending further proceedings. According to the judge, the case involved severe allegations and was beyond the scope of the Magistrates’ Court.
As a result, she transferred the matter to Southwark Crown Court in London. The next hearing is scheduled for June 13, 2025.
Brown, 36, appeared calm in court but showed little emotion when the judge announced the bail refusal and case transfer.
Arrest at Salford Hotel
The singer was arrested on Thursday at The Lowry Hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester. Officers reportedly detained him without incident in connection with an alleged attack that took place last year.
According to police, the arrest stems from an incident at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, London, in 2023. Brown is accused of attacking music executive Abe Diaw with a glass bottle during a heated altercation inside the club.
The alleged victim was rushed to the hospital after suffering serious injuries. He has since filed a $16 million civil lawsuit against Brown, citing both physical harm and financial loss from the incident.
Charge of grievous bodily harm
Following his arrest, the singer was formally charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH). GBH is considered a serious criminal offence under UK law and is typically handled by the Crown Court.
The charge carries heavy legal consequences if proven, including the possibility of a long prison sentence.
In court, prosecutors described the alleged assault as “violent and unprovoked,” claiming it caused significant injuries and long-term effects for the victim.
The judge, noting the seriousness of the charge and the risk of flight, ruled against granting bail. Brown will remain in custody until his next appearance before the Crown Court.
Alleged victim seeks millions in damages
The alleged victim, Abe Diaw, is a music executive with several years in the entertainment business. He claims the incident left him with permanent scars and emotional distress, which affected both his personal life and professional standing.
In his lawsuit, filed earlier this year in the United States, Diaw accused Brown of acting “recklessly and violently” and demanded $16 million in damages. His legal team argues that the injuries sustained in the nightclub incident have led to medical expenses, lost income, and mental trauma.
So far, Brown has not publicly responded to the lawsuit or the criminal charges.
A troubled history
Chris Brown is no stranger to legal controversy. Over the years, the singer has faced multiple accusations and arrests, many of which involve allegations of violence.
In 2009, he pleaded guilty to assaulting fellow musician Rihanna, his then-girlfriend, in an incident that made global headlines. Since then, Brown has had several run-ins with the law, including charges related to assault, drug use, and probation violations.
Though he has continued to release music and tour internationally, his legal troubles have frequently overshadowed his career.
Public and legal reaction
The arrest and court ruling have sparked widespread attention in both the UK and the US. Fans and critics alike have taken to social media to express a mix of outrage, support, and concern.
Legal experts say the case will likely draw further scrutiny due to Brown’s history and the high-profile nature of the alleged victim. They also note that Crown Court proceedings in the UK tend to involve more detailed investigations and longer trial processes, especially in cases involving celebrities.
What happens next?
Brown is expected to appear before Southwark Crown Court on June 13, 2025, where the case will be formally presented and a trial date may be set.
Until then, the singer will remain behind bars in the UK. If convicted of grievous bodily harm, he could face several years in prison.
As the legal process unfolds, more details about the nightclub incident and the events leading to Brown’s arrest are expected to emerge.
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