Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown was released on a staggering $6.7 million bail on Wednesday following a hearing at Southwark Crown Court in connection with a vicious nightclub assault case that will go to trial in June.
Judge Sanctions Release Following Bail Hearing for Suspected Manchester Nightclub Assault
Brown, 36, is already accused of a criminal act in connection with an alleged 2023 attack in which he allegedly hurled a bottle of tequila at another clubber in a Manchester club, causing serious injury. GBH is one of the most serious offenses in U.K. law and can carry long prison terms upon conviction.
The British Press Association reported that Judge Tony Baumgartner ruled Brown could be released on conditional bail for £5 million, or about $6.7 million USD. However, that money will automatically be forfeited if Brown violates the terms of his release or fails to appear at any of his future court dates.
Brown did not attend court on Wednesday, and no plea has yet been entered.
Brown Cleared to Begin U.K. and Ireland Tour Days After Trial Begins in London
Despite the gravity of the charges, Brown is now technically able to travel and tour anywhere. His U.K. and Ireland tour starts on June 15 in Manchester, just two days after his trial was set to begin on June 13 in a London court.
People wonder how the singer can balance a multi-city concert tour schedule with a high-profile criminal trial. His lawyers have not indicated if he will request a continuance of proceedings or show up for court between performances.
Public reaction to the news has been swift and varied. Critics condemned the court for giving preference to a famous celebrity, while his fans stood by him on social media.
Abuse Allegations and Criminal Convictions Troublesome History Remains Associated with the Artist
Manchester bottle-throwing incident is not the first Brown has been embroiled in violence and abuse allegations; his record of troubling actions against women and criminal history date back more than 15 years.
Brown was arrested in 2009 and entered a plea of guilty to felony assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna for brutally beating the singer in a fight that left the singer bruised and shocked the world. He was sentenced to five years of probation, domestic violence counseling, and community service.
In 2017, Brown’s ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran, an actress and model, was granted a five-year restraining order after presenting evidence of physical abuse, stalking, and intimidation. Tran alleged that Brown punched her in the stomach and threatened to kill her.
And then, in 2022, a woman filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles County, claiming that Brown drugged and raped her on a yacht moored off Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Miami estate in late 2020, according to Page Six. An NBC Palm Springs report stated that one of the lawsuits was dismissed in 2023 after neither side showed up for a hearing set for a ruling.
Despite his track record of accusations, Brown has never done real prison time and has continued to work in the music industry, touring globally and collaborating with well-known artists. This consistent career mid-scandal has created debates around celebrity privilege and normalcy abuse in the music industry.
When’s Chris Brown’s Next Court Date?
Brown’s second court appearance is on June 13 in London, the date when the trial will continue as planned or be adjourned for the third time. If he fails to attend his second court hearing or breaks the terms of his bail, Brown could forfeit the whole $6.7 million all at once. He could also be arrested, potentially extradited, and imprisoned.
In the meantime, his concert tickets continue to sell, his streaming numbers remain high, and his devoted fan base remains behind him. But the law-enfolding storm clouds are quickly closing in, and the question remains: Will Chris Brown finally be held accountable, or will fame once again shield him from criticism?
