American R&B singer Chris Brown has been ordered released on bail in an assault case in the UK, on condition he pays a £5 million guarantee to the court. The 36-year-old Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like “Kiss, Kiss,” can continue his scheduled international tour, which is due to start on June 8 in Amsterdam, under the terms of his bail. If he fails to return to the UK for his series of concerts starting June 15, the £5 million will be forfeited.
Brown was charged last week with “grievous bodily harm with intent” in relation to an alleged assault on February 19, 2023, at a nightclub in Hanover Square, London. According to reports, the victim was allegedly struck several times with a bottle before being pursued and punched and kicked. Judge Tony Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court in London stipulated that Brown should surrender his passport if he is not traveling and live at a specific address known to the court. He is also not permitted to visit the nightclub where the alleged assault took place or contact the alleged victim, Abraham Diah.
Brown’s co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, 38, has also been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. Both Brown and Akinlolu will appear again at the same court on June 20. This is not the first time Brown has faced legal troubles; he was convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 and has faced numerous allegations of abuse throughout his career. Despite his successful music career, Brown’s reputation has been tarnished by these allegations.
The singer’s rise to fame began in the mid-2000s with his rich R&B voice and later rap, but his personal life has been marred by controversy. Brown was detained in the early hours of May 13 at a five-star hotel in Manchester after reportedly flying in by private jet.