Grammy-winning R&B artist Chris Brown has once again found himself in legal trouble — this time overseas. On May 15, 2025, the 36-year-old singer was arrested by police in Manchester, England, in connection with a serious assault incident that allegedly occurred more than two years ago. Brown was taken into custody in the early morning hours at The Lowry Hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, while on tour in the UK.
The arrest stems from an alleged attack on music producer Abraham Diaw, which took place on February 19, 2023, at the upscale Tape nightclub located in London’s Mayfair district. According to police and legal documents, Brown is accused of violently assaulting Diaw with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila, striking him multiple times in the head, and then continuing the assault by punching and kicking him once he was on the ground.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Brown has been officially charged with one count of grievous bodily harm with intent, a serious offense under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 — a charge that, if proven in court, can carry a substantial prison sentence. This charge suggests prosecutors believe Brown deliberately intended to cause significant injury.
Diaw, who reportedly suffered serious injuries and required emergency medical treatment, filed a civil lawsuit against Brown in October 2023. In the lawsuit, he alleged long-term physical and emotional trauma from the incident and is seeking approximately £12 million (roughly $16 million USD) in damages. The lawsuit painted a disturbing picture of a violent outburst allegedly fueled by an argument over business matters in the VIP area of the club.
Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 16, where the court will determine whether to release him on bail or continue holding him as the criminal case proceeds.
This incident marks yet another entry in Brown’s long and controversial legal history. Most notably, he was convicted of felony assault in 2009 after a violent altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna, which left her with visible facial injuries. Since then, Brown has faced a series of lawsuits, arrests, and allegations ranging from assault to battery and property damage — incidents that have followed him both in the United States and abroad.
Despite his troubled past, Brown has maintained a successful music career and remains popular with a loyal fan base. His latest tour, dubbed “Breezy Bowl XX,” is scheduled to kick off in Manchester on June 15. It remains unclear how these latest legal developments will impact the tour schedule or Brown’s travel and performance plans in the UK and Europe.
Neither Brown’s legal team nor representatives for Abraham Diaw have issued public statements in response to the charges. The case is likely to attract significant media attention in the coming weeks, particularly given Brown’s high-profile status and the seriousness of the allegations.
For now, all eyes are on the Manchester courtroom, where Brown will face a judge and possibly learn the next steps in what could become another lengthy legal battle. The music world, his fans, and critics alike await further developments.