The US musician Chris Brown has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub two years ago.
The 36-year-old rapper, a former partner of the singer Rihanna, was arrested at 2am on Thursday at the five-star Lowry hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, after flying into the UK for a tour.
He remains in custody and will appear at Manchester magistrates court on Friday.
A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: “A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 0200hrs on Thursday, 15 May on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
“He has been taken into custody where he remains. The arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on 19 February 2023.”
Adele Kelly, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “We have authorised the Metropolitan police to charge Chris Brown, 36, with one count of grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
“The alleged incident occurred in London on 19 February 2023. He will have his first court appearance on Friday 16 May at Manchester magistrates court.”
Brown is due to play 10 dates in the UK as part of his Breezy Bowl XX tour, beginning at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on 15 June.
