Chris Brown Accused of Bottle Attack in Club Brawl
Chris Brown performs at Supafest 3 in Sydney, Australia, in April 2012. Photo by Eva Rinaldi under CC BY-SA 2.0.
It started, as many things do in the entertainment world, with a party. A London nightclub. Bottles of Don Julio 1942. Flashing lights, VIP booths, and loud music. But what was supposed to be a celebration allegedly turned violent — and has now spiraled into a serious criminal case that could upend Chris Brown's international tour and possibly more. He was recently taken into custody in the U.K., accused of a vicious assault that reportedly left a music producer with lasting injuries. The story involves late-night hotel arrests, courtroom drama, and a disturbing chase through a packed club.
Here's what we know so far.
What Happened at Tape Nightclub?
The incident traces back to Feb. 19, 2023, at Tape London, a high-end club in Mayfair. According to court filings and multiple news reports, music producer Abe Diaw claims Chris Brown struck him multiple times with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila inside the venue.
Prosecutors stated in court that the alleged assault occurred in front of clubgoers and was captured on CCTV.
After allegedly smashing the bottle, Brown is said to have chased Diaw through the nightclub before punching and kicking him.
What the Producer Alleges
In a civil lawsuit filed in November 2023, Diaw alleged the attack left him unconscious for 30 seconds. He says the singer continued to "ruthlessly stomp" on him after he collapsed, causing serious head injuries and torn ligaments in his leg, according to PEOPLE.
According to the suit, Diaw was taken to the hospital, where he received treatment for lacerations and other injuries. According to PEOPLE, he has since claimed the incident caused "permanent" damage and "severe emotional distress."
The lawsuit also accuses Brown of spreading false rumors about Diaw after the incident, including claims that he stole from the singer — allegedly in an attempt to ruin the producer's reputation in the industry.
The Arrest in Manchester
More than a year after the alleged assault, Chris Brown was arrested in the early hours of May 15, 2025, at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Salford, where he had flown in via private jet earlier that day. The Metropolitan Police, who traveled from London to Manchester, confirmed he was taken into custody at approximately 2 a.m. local time on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.
A History of Legal Trouble
Chris Brown's criminal history has been widely reported, with his most high-profile legal case occurring in 2009 when he pleaded guilty to felony assault against then-girlfriend Rihanna.
In 2017, his former partner Karrueche Tran obtained a five-year restraining order against him after alleging threats and aggressive behavior. That same year, Brown was accused of sending her threatening messages after she declined to return money and gifts from their relationship.
These past incidents, though unrelated, have resurfaced in the public discourse as this new case unfolds.
What's Next?
Brown is currently slated to appear at Southwark Crown Court in London on June 13. He is out on a total of 5 million pounds bail (about $6.7 million) and has been granted permission to continue his upcoming tour.
His representatives have not made public comments. However, Brown did post a message alluding to his release on Instagram.
Brown's optimism aside, this latest legal development could have long-term effects on his freedom and his international career.
References: Chris Brown Hit Producer 'Several Times' with Bottle, U.K. Court Hears as He's Denied Bail in 'Too Serious' Grievous Bodily Harm Case | Chris Brown Arrested for Allegedly Smashing Tequila Bottle Over Music Producer’s Head at Nightclub | Chris Brown Charged for Smashing Tequila Bottle Over Music Producer's Head at Nightclub: Report | Chris Brown Released on $6.7M Bail, Can Continue with Upcoming Tour After Arrest in Grievous Bodily Harm Case
