'Breezy Bowl XX' tour in jeopardy after Chris Brown's arrest in Manchester

American R&B artist Chris Brown was arrested in Manchester early Thursday morning in connection with an alleged bottle attack that occurred at a London nightclub in February 2023. The 36-year-old singer was detained by Metropolitan Police officers at The Lowry Hotel on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

According to The Sun, Brown had flown into Manchester on a private jet the previous afternoon. Upon learning of his presence in the UK, police confirmed his arrest and took him into custody. He is believed to have been transported to a local station for questioning.

In a statement, the Met Police said, “A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 02:00hrs on Thursday, 15 May on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. The arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on 19 February 2023.” The investigation is being led by detectives from the Central West Area Basic Command Unit.

The alleged victim, music producer Abe Diaw, claims that Brown struck him with a tequila bottle and then repeatedly punched and kicked him at Tape nightclub in Mayfair. Diaw, who was hospitalized following the incident, later filed a $16 million (£12 million) civil lawsuit against the artist for injuries and damages. He alleges Brown used a Don Julio 1942 bottle and knocked him unconscious for about 30 seconds, resulting in head lacerations and torn ligaments.

Brown was on a global tour at the time of the alleged assault and had planned to perform several more shows in the UK next month, including dates in Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The ongoing investigation could disrupt his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, a celebration of his 20-year career.

The Grammy-winning artist has a history of legal issues. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to assaulting Rihanna, and in 2017, a five-year restraining order was issued against him following accusations from ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran.

As of now, representatives for Brown have not issued a statement regarding the arrest.