Chris Brown released on bail - but must pay £5m security fee

US singer Chris Brown has been released on bail by a judge in London - and must pay a £5m security fee to the court.

The 36-year-old was granted bail by Judge Tony Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, but did not appear in person.

The rapper was remanded in custody following an initial hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday - but is now free to leave ahead of his next court appearance in London on 20 June.

He faces a charge of grievous bodily harm following an alleged assault at a London nightclub called Tape in 2023.

His bail conditions allow him to continue travelling for his international tour, which has dates in the UK in June and July, but he must not use his passport for any other purposes.

The judge also ruled that he must live at a specific address, which he must submit to the court, and is not allowed to visit Tape, contact Mr Diaw, or apply for any international travel documents.

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Brown - known for hits such as "Loyal", "Run It" and "Under the Influence" - was arrested at a hotel in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday by detectives from the Metropolitan Police, having flown to the city by private jet in preparation for his tour.

Appearing before magistrates the following day, he listened intently as brief details of the case against him were outlined by the prosecutor.

She claimed Brown launched "an unprovoked attack" on music producer Abraham Diaw, using a "weapon... in a nightclub full of people".

The prosecution says he struck the alleged victim several times with a bottle and followed him to a separate area of the nightclub, before punching and kicking him repeatedly.

A second US rapper, best known by his stage name HoodyBaby, has also been charged with GBH over the same incident.

Omololu Akinlolu, 38, will also appear at Southwark Crown Court on 20 June.

A case management hearing for the pair has been set for 24 October.

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