US star faces police questioning after alleged assault at Mayfair club
American singer Chris Brown has been arrested in the UK over an alleged bottle attack on a music producer at a London nightclub last year. The 36-year-old performer was detained by Metropolitan Police officers in the early hours of Thursday morning at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester.
The arrest is in connection with an incident at Tape nightclub in Hanover Square, Mayfair, in February 2023. Brown was in the UK ahead of a major tour celebrating his 20-year music career, with upcoming shows planned in Manchester, Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Dublin.
Alleged victim claims he was hit with a bottle
Music producer Abe Diaw claims he was attacked by Brown at around 3am during a Dirty Martini club night at the venue. He alleges the R&B singer struck him on the head two or three times with a bottle before punching and kicking him while he lay on the ground.
Diaw had to be taken to hospital and later discharged on crutches. He has since launched a $16 million (£12 million) civil claim against Brown for injuries and financial losses stemming from the alleged assault.
Police investigation may impact UK tour plans
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest and said the investigation is being led by officers from the Central West Area Command. Brown remains in custody and is being questioned on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
The arrest could cast a shadow over Brown’s upcoming UK tour, including two nights at Manchester’s Co-Op Live stadium and a major London performance at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground.
Star was preparing for global ‘Breezy Bowl’ tour
The arrest comes just weeks after Brown unveiled his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, a globe-spanning celebration of his 20 years in music. The Grammy winner had planned to perform alongside R&B stars Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller.
Brown had also recently boasted on social media about the success of his 2024 tour, which grossed over £64 million and sold more than 440,000 tickets. He told fans he was ready to give them “my heart and soul” and take them “through these eras”.
Past controversies resurface
Brown’s arrest brings renewed scrutiny to his past legal troubles, including his 2009 conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna. Though he remains one of the biggest-selling artists in R&B, Brown has long been a polarising figure due to his criminal history and behaviour off stage.
It remains to be seen how this latest incident will impact his tour or the civil proceedings launched by Mr Diaw. Police have urged any witnesses to the alleged incident to come forward.
