R&B superstar Chris Brown will be allowed to complete his world tour after being granted bail with a £5 million security, despite facing a serious assault charge over an alleged bottle attack in Mayfair.
The 36-year-old was arrested by Metropolitan Police last week shortly after arriving in the UK for the European leg of his Breezy Bowl XX world tour. Brown is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to music producer Abraham Diaw during an altercation at Tape nightclub in Hanover Square on February 19, 2023.
£5 Million Bail Granted After Initial Custody
At a bail hearing on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Tony Baumgartner approved a complex bail package which includes:
- £4 million secured immediately and an additional £1 million within seven days
- Surrender of Brown’s passport to British police
- UK residency requirement while awaiting trial
- No contact with the alleged victim or co-defendant
- Ban from visiting Tape nightclub
Brown will be allowed to travel internationally to continue his tour, but his passport will be held by UK police, his legal team in the UK, or a US law firm depending on location.
The plea hearing is scheduled for June 20 at Southwark Crown Court.
Incident Details and Co-Defendant
Brown and co-defendant Omolulu Akinlolu, 38, are charged with jointly attacking Mr Diaw with a bottle and subsequently pursuing him across the club, punching and kicking him multiple times. Akinlolu, also a US national, remains in custody.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the attack took place during a “Dirty Martini” event and left the victim with significant injuries.
Legal Proceedings Ongoing
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Adele Kelly emphasised the seriousness of the charge:
“We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown with one count of grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.”
The CPS urged the public and media to avoid sharing speculative commentary that could prejudice the active criminal proceedings.
Upcoming Tour Dates Unaffected
Despite legal issues, Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX tour continues with planned dates across the UK, Europe, and North America. He is scheduled to perform at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on June 21 and 22.
