American R&B star Chris Brown was arrested in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday morning in connection with an alleged assault that took place in a London nightclub two years ago.
The incident, which is now under police investigation, threatens to overshadow his upcoming world tour.
The 36-year-old singer was taken into custody by Metropolitan Police at The Lowry Hotel in Salford shortly after he arrived in the city on a private jet. He had flown in ahead of his scheduled performances, including a stop in Manchester next month as part of his Breezy Bowl XX tour.
Authorities say Brown was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in relation to an incident that occurred on February 19, 2023, at a club in Hanover Square, central London. He remains in custody while detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit handle the investigation.
The case stems from an allegation made by music producer Abraham Diaw, who claims Brown struck him multiple times at Tape nightclub in Mayfair. Diaw said the assault left him with a serious knee injury and lasting pain. He has since filed a civil lawsuit seeking $16 million (around £12 million) in damages, citing both physical and financial harm.
This latest arrest adds to Brown’s long history of legal troubles, most notably the widely reported 2009 case involving the assault of pop singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend. He later pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to community labor, probation, and domestic violence counseling.
Brown’s representatives have not yet issued a public response regarding the Manchester arrest. Meanwhile, fans await clarification on whether the legal developments will impact his scheduled performances across the UK and beyond.
With the Breezy Bowl XX tour set to begin in just weeks, the timing of this arrest could pose serious complications for the artist’s plans. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the legal claims tied to the alleged 2023 nightclub assault.