American R&B star Chris Brown has reportedly been arrested at Manchester’s five-star Lowry Hotel in connection with an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.
The 36-year-old musician was detained by Metropolitan Police detectives in the early hours of Thursday morning (May 15) on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Brown was taken into custody for questioning and remains detained.
The arrest relates to an incident that allegedly took place at Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district in February 2023. Music producer Abe Diaw claims the two-time Grammy winner struck him over the head with a bottle before punching and kicking him as he lay on the floor. Diaw was taken to hospital and later required crutches upon release.
The Met confirmed the arrest in a statement: “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. He has been taken into custody where he remains. The 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.”
Brown had reportedly flown into Manchester Airport by private jet on Wednesday ahead of the UK leg of his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, a celebration of his 20-year music career. He is scheduled to perform 10 dates across the country next month, including two nights at Manchester’s Co-op Live, with further shows planned in Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Dublin.
The incident could cast uncertainty over the upcoming tour, which follows the singer’s successful 11:11 album concerts in 2024 that generated over $82m in ticket sales.
Diaw has also launched a $16m (£12m) civil claim against Brown for alleged injuries and financial losses.
