US singer Chris Brown has been granted bail by a London court, allowing him to proceed with his upcoming world tour despite facing serious assault charges. The 36-year-old artist, known for hits like 'Loyal' and 'Under the Influence', was required to pay a £5 million security fee as part of his bail conditions. The charges stem from an alleged unprovoked attack on music producer Abraham Diaw in a London nightclub in 2023, where Brown is accused of using a tequila bottle to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Brown, who was not present at Southwark Crown Court for the bail hearing, has not yet entered a plea. Judge Tony Baumgartner set the bail conditions, which include surrendering his passport except for tour-related travel. The R&B star's Breezy Bowl XX tour is scheduled to begin on June 8 in the Netherlands, with stops across Europe, the United States, and Canada, including several UK cities.
The singer's release on bail comes after a brief detention in Manchester last week, marking his first return to the UK since the incident two years ago. Initially denied bail last Friday, Brown was granted conditional release on Wednesday, with the court requiring an immediate payment of £4 million and an additional £1 million within seven days. His next court appearance is set for June 20 at Southwark Crown Court.
Following his release, Brown took to Instagram to hint at his upcoming tour with a post captioned 'From the cage to the stage. Breezybowl.' The post underscores the singer's readiness to transition from his legal challenges back to the music scene, as he prepares to entertain fans worldwide amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Recent revelations have shed light on the early reservations held by a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II regarding Meghan Markle's relationship with Prince Harry. Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin of the Queen and a respected figure within royal circles, reportedly expressed doubts about the sincerity of Meghan's feelings for Harry, suggesting that the former actress might have 'engineered' their romance. These claims, brought to light by royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, highlight the tensions that existed within the royal family prior to the couple's 2018 wedding.
According to Bedell Smith's account, Lady Anson, who was known for her close relationship with the Queen and her role as a royal party planner, initially found Meghan to be 'full of charm' and 'intelligent and thoughtful' upon her engagement to Harry. However, as the wedding approached, Lady Anson's perspective shifted, leading her to question whether Meghan was truly in love with Harry or if she had orchestrated their relationship for personal gain. 'We hope but don't quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all,' Lady Anson is reported to have said.
The biographer also recounts Lady Anson's concerns about the dynamic between Meghan and Harry, noting that Meghan's intelligence and strength could overshadow Harry's more subdued personality. 'Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him,' Lady Anson allegedly remarked. These comments reflect the broader unease within parts of the royal family about the couple's compatibility and the potential challenges their union might bring to the monarchy.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has declined to comment, while a source close to the couple dismissed the allegations as 'just gossip.' Nonetheless, these revelations offer a glimpse into the private discussions and concerns that surrounded one of the most talked-about royal weddings in recent history, underscoring the complexities of integrating a Hollywood actress into the centuries-old traditions of the British royal family.