R&B singer Chris Brown is facing serious legal trouble just weeks before launching his international tour. The 35-year-old performer was arrested in the United Kingdom on Thursday, May 16, and charged with one count of grievous bodily harm with intent in connection to an alleged nightclub assault in London in 2023.
The arrest comes shortly after Brown made headlines for publicly supporting fellow artist Tory Lanez—who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion—by posting “FREE TORY” on his Instagram Story on May 14.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to prosecutors, Brown is accused of launching an “unprovoked attack” on music producer Amadou “Abe” Diaw at Tape nightclub on February 19, 2023. Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls stated that Brown allegedly struck Diaw multiple times over the head with a bottle and continued the assault by punching and kicking him. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the incident.
Diaw’s civil complaint, filed in 2023 and reviewed by USA Today, described a brutal attack that left him with “severe and lasting” injuries, including head lacerations and torn ligaments in his leg. The complaint alleges that Brown used a large bottle of Don Julio tequila during the assault and stomped on Diaw while he was unconscious for approximately 30 seconds.
chris brown locked up till AFTER his tour start date and his fans not getting they money back pic.twitter.com/uVv5dgYRTy
— binny 𐙚 is seeing beyonce in 4 DAYS (@meretmanonism) May 16, 2025
Formal Charges and Court Proceedings
Brown was charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with grievous bodily harm with intent, a serious offense under U.K. law. He appeared in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 16, where Judge Joanne Hirst denied bail, citing the severity of the charge. Brown is now remanded in custody until his next hearing scheduled for June 13 at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Defense attorney Grace Forbes argued that Brown does not pose a flight risk and requested his release, but the judge determined the case was too serious for the Magistrates’ Court to handle. Brown has yet to enter a plea or make any public statements regarding the case. His representatives have not responded to media requests for comment.
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Additional Charges for Brown’s Associate
Authorities also charged Omololu Akinlolu, better known as rapper HoodyBaby, in connection to the same nightclub assault. Akinlolu, a longtime friend and musical collaborator of Brown, faces identical charges of grievous bodily harm with intent. Police confirmed the charges on May 17.
Akinlolu has previously spoken about his close relationship with Brown and the protective role he plays within their circle. In a 2015 interview, he described himself as someone who “moves people around” for the sake of safety, adding, “Nobody’s going to disrespect me or the people who I’m with.”
so chris brown got arrested the day after posting “free tory” on his story pic.twitter.com/7vq78UfVKq
— kai ♡ (@missforehead) May 15, 2025
Did Brown Anticipate Arrest?
Reports suggest Brown may have been aware of the pending investigation. In 2023, The Sun reported that he left the U.K. without speaking to police after the incident. According to law enforcement, Brown and another individual had been scheduled for voluntary interviews on March 29, 2023, but failed to appear. “Inquiries are ongoing to locate them,” police said at the time.
An anonymous source told The Sun that Brown “knows he will be arrested if he goes back to the U.K. but is still doing everything he can to avoid it.”
Impact on World Tour Plans
Brown’s legal troubles cast uncertainty over his upcoming world tour, Breezy Bowl XX, which was set to kick off on June 8 in Amsterdam with rapper Bryson Tiller. If Brown remains in custody, he will be unable to perform at the opening show or subsequent dates, including June 11 in Germany and June 13—when his court hearing coincides with a scheduled performance in Germany.
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A North American leg of the tour featuring singer Summer Walker is slated to begin in July and run through September. As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding cancellations or postponements.
Legal Past and Current Lawsuits
Earlier this year, Brown filed a $500 million defamation lawsuit in response to a documentary that allegedly portrayed him as having a violent history. The timing of that suit now appears critical as Brown navigates his current legal crisis.
Chris Brown getting arrested the day after he posted “free tory” pic.twitter.com/F38bwztzSr
— lia 🚀 (@beefyfridgers) May 15, 2025
