Chris Brown Denied Bail in UK Over London Nightclub Assault Allegation
American R&B singer Chris Brown is back in the headlines after being denied bail by a UK court in connection with an alleged violent assault that took place in a London nightclub in 2023. The Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like Loyal and Under the Influence, was arrested on May 15, 2025, at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester. His arrest came just before he was scheduled to perform at the city’s Co-Op Live Arena.
The charges against Brown are serious. Prosecutors allege that the singer brutally attacked music producer Abraham Diaw at Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district on the night of February 19, 2023. According to multiple reports, Brown is accused of striking Diaw over the head with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila before allegedly continuing the assault by punching and kicking him after he had lost consciousness. The incident was reportedly captured on CCTV and witnessed by several people present at the venue.
During a court appearance at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 16, District Judge Joanne Hirst ruled that the case was too serious to be handled by a magistrates’ court and referred it to Southwark Crown Court in London. The judge denied bail, meaning Brown will remain in custody until his next court date, scheduled for June 13.
The consequences of this case could be far-reaching. If convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent, Brown could face up to 16 years in prison under UK law. The alleged victim, Abraham Diaw, has also filed a civil lawsuit against Brown, seeking £12 million (approximately $16 million) in damages for the injuries and trauma he says he suffered as a result of the attack. Diaw claims he sustained head lacerations, torn ligaments, and other long-term effects.
Adding to the complexity of the case, British police have also charged rapper and producer Omololu Akinlolu—better known by his stage name HoodyBaby—in connection with the same incident. Akinlolu, age 38, faces a similar charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and was scheduled to appear in court in Manchester on the weekend following Brown’s arrest.
The timing of the charges and arrest couldn’t be worse for Chris Brown’s career. The singer was gearing up to launch his “Breezy Bowl XX” global tour in June, with stops scheduled across Europe and North America. With Brown currently behind bars and his next hearing weeks away, the fate of the tour hangs in the balance. Promoters, fans, and venues are all left wondering what will happen next.
This case adds yet another chapter to Brown’s long history of legal troubles. While he remains innocent until proven guilty, the gravity of the allegations and the court’s decision to deny bail suggest that this is not a minor matter. For now, Chris Brown’s music will take a backseat as he faces some of the most serious accusations of his career.
As the case develops, all eyes will be on Southwark Crown Court on June 13, when Brown is set to reappear. Until then, he remains in custody, facing both legal consequences and public scrutiny that could once again reshape the trajectory of his controversial career
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