American R&B star Chris Brown has been remanded in custody following a court appearance in Manchester, where he faces a grievous bodily harm (GBH) charge related to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.

The 36-year-old singer was arrested at The Lowry Hotel in Salford on Thursday and later charged over the incident, which allegedly took place at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair, central London. Brown is accused of using a bottle to inflict serious injury on music producer Abe Diaw during the altercation.

Appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Brown—dressed in black tracksuit bottoms and a plain T-shirt—confirmed his full name as Christopher Maurice Brown, as well as his date of birth. When asked for his address, he replied, “The Lowry Hotel.”

Presiding magistrate District Judge Joanne Hirst said the serious nature of the offence meant the case would be transferred to Southwark Crown Court in London. The next hearing is scheduled for 13 June.

“This court does not have jurisdiction to deal with such a serious matter,” Judge Hirst explained.

Brown had been in the UK ahead of his upcoming summer tour, with performances planned at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester and Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as well as prior stops in Amsterdam and Germany. The status of those tour dates is now uncertain pending the legal proceedings.

Outside the courthouse, dozens of fans gathered, some visibly emotional over the singer’s legal troubles. One fan, Candy, 35, said she had cancelled her plans for the day just to show support.

“I’ve followed Chris since I was 14,” she told the BBC. “When I heard the news of his arrest, I couldn’t sleep. I love his music, his voice—even my children are fans now.”

This is not Brown’s first encounter with the law. While the singer has long maintained a dedicated global fanbase and musical success, his career has frequently been overshadowed by legal controversies and violent incidents.

If found guilty, Brown could face significant prison time, as GBH with intent is among the most serious charges under UK criminal law. (AriseNews TV)