Liv Bridge
Chris Brown has been granted permission to come home to the US after being arrested abroad for allegedly 'attacking' a man in a nightclub.
The 36-year-old rapper was arrested from his hotel in Manchester, UK, on May 15 this year on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, cops confirmed.
Brown was accused of physically assaulting music producer Abraham Diaw back in February 2023, during which he allegedly struck Diaw over the head several times with a bottle at the private members' Tape venue in London.
CCTV footage appeared to show the 'Kiss Kiss' hitmaker going after the alleged victim and then 'punching and kicking' him as he lay on the floor.
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The alleged 'unprovoked' attack resulted in injuries for Diaw who filed a civil claim against Brown for $16 million.
As of Tuesday (October 28) this week, Judge Tony Baumgartner filed an amendment to the singer's bail conditions, permitting him to fly back to the US.
Brown and his co-defendant, rapper Omololu Akinlolu, 39, both denied attempting to physically harm Diaw, including counts of actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.
The R&B singer further denied having an offensive weapon (a liquor bottle) in a public place.
Although granted bail, Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe KC said Brown's bail conditions remain 'very stringent' and 'numerous', stressing that the variations were agreed in 'unusual circumstances'.
"It shouldn't be considered by those who might be wishing to report on this afterward that these defendants are simply allowed to return to the US unfettered," she said.
Judge Baumgartner also uttered some strong words to the defendants, telling them that they are able to return to the US but only under the conditions set out, which includes attending court on January 28.
"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," he said.
He said the trial, scheduled for October next year, will continue even if the two men fail to attend court.
Although the amended bail conditions weren't openly disclosed, Brown's previous bail conditions allowed him to press ahead with his international tour.
For the past few months, the father-of-two has also been ordered to reside at a specific address known to the court, has been prohibited from visiting the nightclub and barred from making contact with Diaw.
In addition, Brown has been unable to apply for international travel documents, including suspending his passport, and has been ordered to pay a $5 million security fee to the court.
The defendants spoke only to confirm their names and identities and that they understood the new conditions.