UK police arrest Chris Brown for 2023 alleged assault on music producer
Singer Chris Brown was arrested in the United Kingdom on Thursday in connection with an alleged incident that occurred at a London nightclub in February 2023.
The arrest relates to allegations that Brown assaulted music producer Amadou “Abe” Diaw at the Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair neighborhood (specifically noted as a venue in Hanover Square) on February 19, 2023.
According to Diaw’s civil lawsuit and reports, Brown allegedly smashed a bottle of Don Julio 1942 Tequila over Diaw’s head, striking him multiple times on the top left side of his head.
Diaw claims that after the bottle attack, Brown continued to stomp on him and that another artist with Brown also kicked him while he was unconscious on the nightclub floor.
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Nightclub staff reportedly intervened and removed Diaw from the venue.
Diaw was hospitalized with lacerations on his head and torn ligaments on his leg and continues to suffer from double vision and significant pain in his legs, requiring ongoing treatment and therapy.
The alleged bottle attack was reportedly captured by nightclub surveillance cameras, and the Metropolitan Police obtained the footage.
Brown was arrested by the Metropolitan Police force shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at a hotel in Manchester, England. He was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
Prosecutors have since charged him with one count of causing grievous bodily harm. He was scheduled to face a hearing in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.
The complainant, Mr Diaw, has since filed a $16 million (£12 million) civil claim against the singer, seeking damages for injuries and financial losses resulting from the incident.
The lawsuit also names co-defendants including Live Nation, Sony, and RCA Records. The next hearing in the civil case is set for May 30, 2025, with a jury trial scheduled to begin in June 2026.
Ryan J. Daneshrad, an attorney for Diaw, confirmed Brown’s involvement in the incident and stated that the injuries sustained were serious, adding that they are pursuing all legal remedies to hold him accountable.
Brown’s arrest occurred shortly before the planned kickoff of his Breezy Bowl 20th anniversary tour, which is set to begin in June 2025 with European dates, including shows in Manchester.
