American R&B singer Chris Brown has been arrested in the United Kingdom in connection with an alleged assault that occurred at a London nightclub in February 2023.1 The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of the 36-year-old Grammy-winning artist at a hotel in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.2
The arrest follows a lawsuit filed by music producer Abe Diaw, who claims that Brown attacked him at the Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district on February 19, 2023. According to Diaw’s account, Brown allegedly struck him multiple times over the head with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila, before punching and kicking him while he was on the ground. The producer stated that he was hospitalized due to the injuries sustained, including lacerations to his head and torn ligaments in his leg, and continues to suffer from the physical and emotional trauma of the alleged assault. Diaw has reportedly filed a £12 million ($16 million) lawsuit against the singer.
The Sun newspaper reported that they became aware of Brown’s presence in the UK on Wednesday and contacted the Metropolitan Police, who subsequently traveled to Manchester to make the arrest.3 Brown had arrived in the UK via private jet and was reportedly staying at The Lowry Hotel.4
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, “A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 02:00hrs on Thursday, 15 May on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.5 He has been taken into custody where he remains.6 The7 arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on 19 February 2023. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit.”8
This9 arrest comes just weeks before Brown was scheduled to begin the UK leg of his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour, celebrating his 20-year career in music. He had multiple dates planned across the country in June and July, including shows in Manchester, London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin.10 The immediate impact of his arrest on these scheduled performances remains unclear.
Chris Brown has a long history of legal issues, most notably his 2009 felony assault conviction for attacking his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna.11 This latest incident adds to a series of controversies that have punctuated his successful music career. In January 2025, Brown filed a $500 million defamation lawsuit against the producers of a documentary titled “Chris Brown: A History of Violence,” which detailed allegations of abuse against him.12
The arrest of Chris Brown in the UK is expected to generate significant media attention and could have serious implications for his ongoing tour and legal battles. Representatives for Chris Brown have yet to issue a public statement regarding the arrest. The investigation into the alleged 2023 assault is ongoing.
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