Chris Brown granted bail to return to US

By JORDANA SEAL, NEWS REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

Chris Brown is allowed to return to the US on bail after being charged over an alleged unprovoked attack on a music producer in a London nightclub. The Grammy-winning star allegedly beat Abraham Diaw over the head several times with a tequila bottle at the Tape club in Hanover Square, Mayfair on February 19, 2023. CCTV footage is also said to have showed Brown chasing after the producer before kicking and punching him. Brown was later arrested at the Lowry Hotel in May after flying into Salford on a private jet.

Chris Brown is allowed to return to the US on bail after being charged over an alleged unprovoked attack on a music producer in a London nightclub. The Grammy-winning star allegedly beat Abraham Diaw over the head several times with a tequila bottle at the Tape club in Hanover Square, Mayfair on February 19, 2023. CCTV footage is also said to have showed Brown chasing after the producer before kicking and punching him. Brown was later arrested at the Lowry Hotel in May after flying into Salford on a private jet.

The 36-year-old singer appeared in court today alongside his co-defendant, Dallas rapper Omololu Akinlolu, 38. They both denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Diaw. Brown also denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm upon Mr Diaw and one count of having an offensive weapon. Akinlolu also denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mr Diaw.

The 36-year-old singer appeared in court today alongside his co-defendant, Dallas rapper Omololu Akinlolu, 38. They both denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Diaw. Brown also denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm upon Mr Diaw and one count of having an offensive weapon. Akinlolu also denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mr Diaw. 

Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court wearing a baggy white shirt, black tie and glasses for an application to vary bail conditions. Prosecutor Heide Stonecliffe KC said Brown's bail variations were agreed in 'unusual circumstances. 'It shouldn't be considered by those who might be wishing to report on this afterwards that these defendants are simply allowed to return to the US unfettered.'

Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court wearing a baggy white shirt, black tie and glasses for an application to vary bail conditions. Prosecutor Heide Stonecliffe KC said Brown's bail variations were agreed in 'unusual circumstances. 'It shouldn't be considered by those who might be wishing to report on this afterwards that these defendants are simply allowed to return to the US unfettered.'

Judge Tony Baumgartner told the defendants: 'Mr Brown and Mr Akinlolu this means that you will be able to return to the US on the conditions that I have set out in the bail variations order. 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.' Judge Baumgartner said their trial, set for October 2026, will go ahead in their absence if the two men fail to attend.

Judge Tony Baumgartner told the defendants: 'Mr Brown and Mr Akinlolu this means that you will be able to return to the US on the conditions that I have set out in the bail variations order. 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.' Judge Baumgartner said their trial, set for October 2026, will go ahead in their absence if the two men fail to attend.

Further terms of bail were not read out in open court but the judge made assurances that the new conditions on Brown were 'very stringent'. Brown was previously granted bail subject to a number of conditions, which included paying a £5million security fee to the court and surrender of his passport. He could also not contact Akinlolu or Mr Diaw nor attend the Tape nightclub. After the bail hearing in May he wrote on his Instagram: 'From the cage to the stage!'

Further terms of bail were not read out in open court but the judge made assurances that the new conditions on Brown were 'very stringent'. Brown was previously granted bail subject to a number of conditions, which included paying a £5million security fee to the court and surrender of his passport. He could also not contact Akinlolu or Mr Diaw nor attend the Tape nightclub. After the bail hearing in May he wrote on his Instagram: 'From the cage to the stage!'

If he breaches any bail condition he could be liable to forfeit the security. Brown and Akinlolu will face a week-long trial on October 26 next year. They will next appear in court on January 28 for a case management hearing. Brown rose to fame at a young age with his rich R&B voice and later rap, and was also known for having a relationship with fellow music star Rihanna. He released his debut album Chris Brown in 2005 and has since released a further ten studio albums and 64 singles. Some of his biggest hits have included Run It!, Yo (Excuse Me Miss) and No Air, a collaboration with Jordin Sparks.

If he breaches any bail condition he could be liable to forfeit the security. Brown and Akinlolu will face a week-long trial on October 26 next year. They will next appear in court on January 28 for a case management hearing. Brown rose to fame at a young age with his rich R&B voice and later rap, and was also known for having a relationship with fellow music star Rihanna. He released his debut album Chris Brown in 2005 and has since released a further ten studio albums and 64 singles. Some of his biggest hits have included Run It!, Yo (Excuse Me Miss) and No Air, a collaboration with Jordin Sparks.

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