Chris Brown launched his UK tour in Manchester, just days before a scheduled court appearance. The Grammy-winning artist performed to a large crowd at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Sunday, with numerous stadium dates planned across the UK.
On Friday, he faces a London court hearing regarding charges of grievous bodily harm stemming from an alleged 2023 nightclub assault. The 36-year-old, released on £5 million bail, has yet to plead.
Addressing his Manchester audience, Brown expressed gratitude for their support, jokingly referencing his recent detention: “Thank you for coming and supporting me…And thank you to the jail. It was really nice.”
A career retrospective video montage, including news footage from his Manchester court appearance, was met with enthusiastic support from the fans. Brown is accused of an “unprovoked attack” on a music producer using a tequila bottle at a London nightclub during his previous UK tour.
His arrest occurred a month ago upon his return to the UK, when Metropolitan Police detectives apprehended him at a Salford hotel. After nearly a week in custody, he was released upon posting the significant bail.
This bail, a financial guarantee ensuring court attendance, could be forfeited if conditions are breached. The judge, however, permitted Brown to proceed with his tour, which commenced in Amsterdam last weekend.
The “Breezy Bowl XX” tour celebrates Brown’s two decades in the music industry. His Manchester performance opened with “Run It,” the hit that propelled him to fame at age 16. The sold-out show featured many of his 19 UK top 10 singles.
Recently, he received the BET Award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. Following a second Manchester show, his tour continues to Cardiff, then London (where his court appearance is scheduled), and further across the UK. Co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu (“HoodyBaby”) will also appear in court.
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