
Chris Brown arrested in UK on 'bodily harm' charge after alleged 2023 incident
Chris Brown arrested in UK on 'bodily harm' charge after alleged 2023 incident
Chris Brown has been arrested in the U.K.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed to USA TODAY on May 15 that a 36-year-old man was arrested at a Manchester hotel just after 2 p.m. on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
While the department does not release names of possible suspects, they confirmed that "the arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square (London)" from Feb. 19, 2023. "The investigation is being led by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit."
"He has been taken into custody where he remains," the statement added.
The Crown Prosecution Service, a government agency overseeing criminal prosecutions, confirmed Brown's arrest in a May 15 press release. Brown's first court appearance is scheduled for May 16 at Manchester Magistrates' Court.
"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial," the agency said. "It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
The arrest comes months after Brown, 36, took legal action following the release of a documentary that explored his alleged history of violence. USA TODAY reached out to reps for Brown for comment.
Brown's Breezy Bowl XX World Tour begins June 8 in Amsterdam with support from fellow R&B singer Bryson Tiller.
Chris Brown sues Warner Bros. for $500M over 'A History of Violence' documentary
In January, the singer-songwriter sued Warner Bros. Discovery and several others for their role in the production of "Chris Brown: A History of Violence," a documentary film chronicling Brown's alleged pattern of abuse. He is seeking $500 million in damages, alleging libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Brown's star was heavily tarnished in 2009 when fans learned that he had assaulted then-girlfriend Rihanna on the night of the Grammy Awards. Photos showing Rihanna bloodied and bruised after the attack were leaked to the public at the time, forever altering Brown's reputation and kicking off more than a decade of legal troubles.
Chris Brown's history of alleged violence
Brown's history of violence against women has ratcheted up in recent years.
In 2017, a restraining order was granted to ex-girlfriend and "Claws" actress Karrueche Tran, mandating that Brown stay away from her after she alleged that he was abusive toward her.
In 2018, an anonymous accuser represented by women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred sued Brown, alleging he had trapped her in his home and forced her to perform sex acts for his friends. In 2019, the singer was accused of raping a woman in Paris, but he was released without charges. This was followed by a July 2024 lawsuit, which alleged Brown and members of his crew severely assaulted four men after a concert in Texas.
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