Chris Brown Released on Bail Ahead of UK Tour Following Grievous Bodily Harm Charge

The R&B star was charged with grievous bodily harm

American singer Chris Brown has been released on bail following a court appearance in London, where he faces a charge of grievous bodily harm stemming from an alleged nightclub assault in 2023. The 36-year-old artist was granted bail on Wednesday by Judge Tony Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court.

Brown is accused of attacking music producer Abe Diaw with a bottle during an incident at Tape nightclub in Mayfair on February 19, 2023. The charge, under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, is considered a serious offence and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Brown was apprehended on May 15 at The Lowry Hotel in Salford, shortly after arriving at Manchester Airport to rehearse for his upcoming Breezy Bowl XX 20th anniversary tour. His arrest came just days before his scheduled performances across the UK and Europe, including shows in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, London, and Cardiff.

At an earlier court appearance on May 16 at Manchester Magistrates' Court, Brown, dressed in black sweatpants and a simple T-shirt, confirmed his full name—Christopher Maurice Brown—and his date of birth. He gave his address as The Lowry Hotel on Dearmans Place in Salford. District Judge Joanna Hirst had ordered that he remain in custody until June 13, citing the severity of the charge.

However, during his appearance at Southwark Crown Court, the judge ruled that Brown could be released on bail under strict conditions, allowing him to proceed with his planned international tour. A key requirement of his release is the payment of a $6.7 million security fee, which serves as a financial guarantee to ensure his return to court. The amount may be forfeited if he breaches his bail terms.

Prosecutors stated that Brown left the UK after the alleged incident and had not returned for two years. The Crown Prosecution Service, represented by Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Adele Kelly, confirmed the charge and emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair trial, warning against online commentary or speculation that could jeopardize the legal process.

Brown's legal representative, Grace Forbes, argued in favor of his bail, citing his status as a prominent global public figure with upcoming professional commitments. The judge ultimately agreed, setting conditions that will allow the singer to fulfill his concert obligations while remaining accountable to the court.

Despite the legal proceedings, Brown has remained active on social media, where in March he excitedly promoted his tour: "CELEBRATING 20 years of CB. So excited to be able to share this moment with the world and my amazing fans. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE ALL YALLS BEAUTIFUL FACES. IMA TAKE YALL THREW THESE ERAS BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY GIVE YALL MY HEART AND SOUL."

Chris Brown is expected to return to court on June 13 for the next hearing.