R‘n’B star Chris Brown denied on Monday being involved in an altercation at a Las Vegas casino, after police cited him over an accusation that he punched a man during a basketball game.
The 25-year-old — who notoriously beat his then girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 — was accused of hitting the unnamed victim during the game at the Palms Casino Resort, police said.
Officers were called to a local hospital in the early hours on Monday where the alleged victim claimed to have been beaten by the recording star, said the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
“The investigation initiated by the LVMPD Violent Crimes Section indicated the victim had been playing a game of basketball at the Palms Casino Resort,” said an LVMPD statement.
“A verbal altercation on the court led to a physical fight and the victim was punched by another male subject who was later identified as 25-year old recording artist Chris Brown.
“The victim prepared to defend himself and was then hit by another male reportedly with Brown.”
But Brown’s publicist denied the star’s involvement.
“Chris is currently in Las Vegas ... He has a suite at the hotel that has a basketball court and invited friends to come play. An unruly individual showed up uninvited and was removed from the premises,” she said.
“Chris was not in an altercation with this person,” added the publicist, Nicole Perna, in a statement.
The police said that detectives went to the casino but Brown “was not available to speak with them,” adding that Brown has the option of signing a citation for misdemeanour battery or have the case turned over to the Clark County District Attorney’s office.
Officer Larry Hadfield said signing off on the citation is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgement of the accusation. Similar to accepting a traffic ticket, the accused would be given a court date in Clark County Justice Court scheduled for months from now.
Police said the investigation continues but declined to address the other person with Brown who also allegedly hit the man.
“We haven’t cited anybody. We have not had the opportunity,” Hatfield said.
“The LVMPD has not heard from Mr Brown or his attorney indicating whether or not he would sign the citation,” said the statement.
In June 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting pop star Rihanna, who suffered facial injuries and was forced to cancel an appearance at that year’s Grammy Awards.
Brown was sentenced to five years’ probation, a year-long domestic violence programme and 180 days of community labour.
His probation was finally lifted in March this year.
The incident happened at the Palms Casino Resort, which features a basketball-themed luxury suite for $25,000 (Dh91,828) per night, officials said.
The 10,000-square-foot Hardwood Suite features an indoor basketball court, locker room with a gym shower, “NBA-sized” beds and 24-hour butler, according to the hotel.
A hotel spokesman deferred all other comment to police.
On Saturday, Brown performed a sold-out show at Drai’s nightclub atop the Cromwell Hotel as after-party entertainment to the much anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. He also attended the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
At his show, Brown reportedly commanded $100 and $200 cover charges with table reservations with bottle-service ranging in price from a $2,000 minimum for a small four-seater as far away from the stage as it can go, to at least $20,000 for a table in the middle of the action.
The full-length concert was also billed as the launch to Brown’s new residency at Drai’s. His next show in the series of concerts is scheduled for July 4, according to an announcement.
The statement sent on Sunday also said Brown is expected to celebrate his birthday at the venue’s night-time pool party on Tuesday.
