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Chris Brown‘s ongoing tour hits a roadblock as the rapper gets arrested in his Manchester hotel just hours after touching down in the UK. Last month, the 36-year-old announced his upcoming Breezy Bown XX tour in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his career. The tour, set to commence on June 8 in Amsterdam, would see the star touch various locations around the world for a groundbreaking performance, including six stops in the UK in June and July.
Ahead of his upcoming 20th anniversary tour, the rapper visited the UK with a private jet, landing at Manchester Airport on Wednesday afternoon. However, before kicking off his business, the star wound up in police custody over a violent confrontation from 2 years ago during a previous worldwide tour.
Chris Brown Arrested Following Trip to Manchester
The Sun revealed that they notified the police of Brown’s presence in the UK when they found out about it. Their intel prompted Met detectives to storm his suite at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester at about 2 am on Thursday, where they arrested Chris Bown. The arrest stemmed from a brutal confrontation at the Tape nightclub in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19, 2023. The American rapper allegedly attacked music producer Abe Diaw unprovoked at bout 3 am on the said day while enjoying a night out with his entourage at the club.
At the time, the complaint shared details of the Manchester nightclub clash with The Sun, revealing that Chris Brown smashed a bottle on his head, punched and kicked him even as he lay on the floor defenseless. He told the publication that Brown hit him over the head “two or three times,” and his knee eventually collapsed as well. The music producer ended up hospitalized and had to depend on crutches for mobility after his discharge. Abe Diaw demands $16 million in damages for the injuries sustained during the alleged attack and the losses incurred in a civil lawsuit filed against Brown in 2023.
A Met spokesperson has since confirmed Chris Brown’s arrest, telling BBC that they arrested a “36-year-old man” at a hotel in Manchester. The spokesperson also confirmed that Brown remained in custody as the investigation into the 2023 attack continued. The Central West Area Basic Command Unit is leading the investigation.
Brown’s Arrest Threatens Tour Dates Shakeup
Prior to his arrest, Chris Brown had plans in motion to commence his Breezy Bowl XX tour next month to mark his 20-year career. However, this latest legal drama may lead to a rescheduling of his tour dates, or worse, a complete cancellation. Fans have expressed concerns about this possibility and the implications for concertgoers.
However, many dismissed these concerns, citing Brown’s history of violence as confirmation that he should not even hold shows anymore. Several fans questioned the rapper’s violent tendencies and how his continuous stardom despite being a repeat offender showed that violent offences often went unpunished. One aggrieved fan ranted on Reddit,
“We wonder why this country has a violence problem when there is seemingly no consequences for violent offenses or repeat violent offenders. We want people to rot for drugs, but violence is just fine.”
Another chimed in,
“He’s been getting arrested every year for domestic violence or assault every year since he beat Rihanna in 2009. He should be worried because the UK doesn’t coddle celebrities like the US. He WILL get punished there.”
A third user jeered, “This is going to ruin the tour,” while another admitted that “It boggles my mind he still has tours at all.” Many also wondered why Chris Brown hadn’t been cancelled after years of reported violence and domestic abuse against women. They believe that continuously supporting him by listening to his music and attending concerts only made the rapper bolder, enabling his violent ways. One Redditor called for consequences on even those who support the rapper’s music to ensure accountability, writing,
“He shouldn’t even have fans; those who are still fans should have consequences, too.”
A Look At Brown’s Legal Troubles Through the Years
Chris Brown’s arrest marks the latest in a string of legal scuffles the rapper has encountered throughout his 20-year career. The hip-hop star’s earliest report of aggressive behavior came in 2009, when he battered his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, during a confrontation on the drive back from an award show. The physical assault left the songstress with a bruised face. Brown got off on a five-year probation and community labor as well as sessions of domestic violence counselling after pleading guilty and accepting a plea deal.
In 2011, he allegedly slammed a chair into a window in a fit of rage during an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Again in 2012, he had a public brawl with rapper Drake in a New York nightclub, and another scuffle with Frank Ocean in West Hollywood barely a year later, where he threatened to shoot the singer. Over the years, more aggressive actions have followed, including physical attacks on fans, leaving the star neck-deep in legal woes.
