Chris Brown has been granted bail by a London judge after being charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with an alleged nightclub assault in 2023.
The singer, known for songs like Loyal, Run It, and Under The Influence, was released on Wednesday following a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, during which he was absent. Judge Tony Baumgartner approved the bail on the condition that Brown pay a £5 million ($6.7 million) security fee.
Brown, 36, was apprehended last Thursday at a Manchester hotel. He had arrived in the city last Wednesday by private jet ahead of his international tour. His bottle attack case was mentioned at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, when he learned the details of the case.
According to reports, prosecutors presented in court that the victim, music producer Abraham Diaw, was attacked twice. The initial attack was with a bottle, which hit him repeatedly, and was “unprovoked”. The second attack happened moments later when he was kicked and punched several times after being followed, according to Sky News.
Both attacks reportedly occurred inside Tape, a London nightclub, but in different areas inside the establishment. Chris Brown allegedly had an accomplice in the attack, identified to be 38-year-old rapper Omololu Akinlolu, better known as HoodyBaby, who was hit with the same charge as Chris Brown.
As part of Chris Brown’s bail conditions, Brown must remain at a court-approved address, avoid any contact with the alleged victim, and stay away from Tape nightclub. While he is allowed to continue with his tour, including UK dates in June and July, he cannot use his passport for purposes outside of that travel or apply for any new international documents.
According to Sky News, on June 20, both Chris Brown and Omololu Akinlolu are scheduled to appear in front of the Southwark Crown Court. On October 24, the defendants will have a case management hearing.