Greater Manchester Police arrested singer Chris Brown, 36, at the five-star Lowry Hotel at 2 am on 15 May. Officers acted on behalf of the Metropolitan Police regarding an alleged assault in 2023.
The arrest relates to a reported bottle attack involving music producer Abe Diaw. The incident allegedly took place on 19 February 2023 at Tape nightclub in Hanover Square, Mayfair.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said, “This morning (Thursday 15 May) we arrested a 36-year-old man at a hotel in Manchester on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on behalf of the Metropolitan Police.”
Figure 1: Chris Brown arrested for 2023 incident
Met Police Confirms Suspect in Custody
The Metropolitan Police also released 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.”
Chris Brown had arrived in Manchester on Wednesday afternoon by private jet. He landed at Manchester Airport ahead of his planned tour performances.
Allegations Stem from Tape Nightclub Attack
The incident under investigation allegedly took place during a Dirty Martini event at Tape nightclub in London. Music producer Abraham Diaw claimed Brown assaulted him without provocation.
Mr Diaw told The Sun on Sunday, “He hit me over the head two or three times. My knee collapsed as well.”
Reports stated Mr Diaw needed hospitalisation and used crutches after his discharge. He later launched a $16 million (£12 million) civil claim against Brown.
The lawsuit alleged Mr Diaw suffered “severe and lasting injuries” following the alleged assault with a bottle.
Impact on Breezy Bowl XX World Tour
Chris Brown is currently preparing for his Breezy Bowl XX world tour, marking 20 years in the music industry. The UK leg includes 10 performances in major cities.
He is booked for two nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 21 and 22 June. Other scheduled performances include shows in Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow and Dublin.
In March, Brown posted on Instagram, “CELEBRATING 20 years of CB. So excited to be able to share this moment with the world and my amazing fans.
“I CANT WAIT TO SEE ALL YALLS BEAUTIFUL FACES. IMA TAKE YALL THREW THESE ERAS BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY GIVE YALL MY HEART AND SOUL.”
His previous 11:11 album tour generated $82.3 million (£64 million) in global ticket sales. This new tour was set to expand that success with a major UK presence.
Police Investigations Continue
The Metropolitan Police confirmed detectives travelled to Manchester to conduct the arrest. They acted on new developments in the 2023 case.
Brown’s representatives have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the arrest or the ongoing investigation.
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Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
The arrest adds pressure to the upcoming Breezy Bowl XX tour, with legal proceedings now underway. Brown’s ability to perform UK dates may depend on future court decisions.
The Standard approached Brown’s representative for comment. No public response had been issued at the time of reporting.
The arrest and investigation come just over three weeks before the tour’s scheduled UK launch. The legal process may affect the planned performances.
Key Details:
- Chris Brown arrested at 2am on 15 May at the Lowry Hotel
- Arrest linked to February 2023 incident in London
- Victim Abraham Diaw filed a $16 million lawsuit
- Brown remains in police custody for questioning
- Breezy Bowl XX tour starts June 2025 with 10 UK chris dates
Investigations by the Metropolitan Police will determine the chris next steps as Brown prepares for a high-profile tour.
Further developments are expected as the chris inquiry continues into the alleged incident at Tape nightclub.
