Whelp Justin Bieber has picked a side, in the Chris Brown situation … After Brown’s return to freedom after a high-profile arrest in the UK, he has drawn public backing from a surprising but loyal source: longtime collaborator and pop icon Justin Bieber. The moment Brown posted a photo from the airport to Instagram following his release, Bieber slid into the comments with a simple but powerful message:
“Welcome home.”
That part.
The comment, much to the point, wasn’t just a friendly nod—it was a clear show of solidarity, adding Bieber’s name to a small but vocal group of stars rallying behind Brown as he stares down serious legal issues overseas. Rap mogul 50 Cent also threw his weight behind the embattled artist, writing:
“CB out he made bond, I’m only saying this because I believe he is the best overall artist out there. I’ve watched his entire journey!”
Brown’s latest legal battle stems from a 2023 altercation at Tape, a luxury London nightclub. Authorities allege the singer assaulted music producer Abe Diaw with a tequila bottle, followed by a brutal stomp while Diaw was on the ground—leaving the producer unconscious. Diaw has since described the injuries as “severe and lasting,” and prosecutors reportedly have surveillance footage as part of their case.
Initially denied bail and held in a Manchester facility, Brown was facing the possibility of being detained until June 13, just before launching his Breezy Bowl tour. But in a last-minute twist, a judge granted bail after Brown posted nearly $7 million. Now out on conditional release, Brown must stay at a specified UK address and has surrendered his passport—but he is allowed to travel for tour obligations.
Adding another layer of drama, Diaw has accused Brown of spreading “false rumors” about him after the incident, hinting at a defamation element that could further complicate legal proceedings.