Chris Brown has received approval to return to the United States following his arrest overseas for allegedly assaulting a man in a nightclub.
The 36-year-old artist was taken into custody from a hotel in Manchester, UK, on May 15 of this year, on allegations of causing grievous bodily harm, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
The accusations against Brown stem from an incident in February 2023, where it was claimed he physically attacked music producer Abraham Diaw by repeatedly hitting him over the head with a bottle at the exclusive Tape venue in London.
Security camera footage seemed to capture the ‘Kiss Kiss’ singer pursuing the alleged victim and then ‘punching and kicking’ him while he was on the ground.
Diaw, who sustained injuries from the supposed ‘unprovoked’ attack, has filed a civil lawsuit seeking $16 million in damages from Brown.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday (October 28), Judge Tony Baumgartner made changes to the singer’s bail terms, allowing him to return to the US.
Both Brown and his co-defendant, rapper Omololu Akinlolu, 39, have denied any attempt to harm Diaw, facing charges of actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.
The R&B performer also refuted possessing an offensive weapon (a liquor bottle) in public.
Despite being granted bail, Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe KC emphasized that Brown’s bail conditions remain ‘very stringent’ and ‘numerous,’ noting that the adjustments were made under ‘unusual circumstances.’
“It shouldn’t be considered by those who might be wishing to report on this afterward that these defendants are simply allowed to return to the US unfettered,” she stated.
Judge Baumgartner addressed the defendants sternly, informing them they could return to the US but must adhere to the stipulated conditions, which include attending court on January 28.
“You will have to come back to the UK when you are required to do so and surrender to bail in accordance with your obligations that follow,” he stated.
He indicated that the trial, set for October of the following year, will proceed even if the defendants fail to appear in court.
While the revised bail conditions were not publicly detailed, Brown’s initial bail terms permitted him to continue his international tour.
Over recent months, the father of two has been required to live at a specific address known to the court, has been banned from visiting the nightclub, and is prohibited from contacting Diaw.
Moreover, Brown has been restricted from applying for international travel documents, including a suspended passport, and has been ordered to deposit a $5 million security fee with the court.
The defendants only spoke to confirm their names and identities and acknowledge their understanding of the new conditions.