US singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to assault-related charges stemming from an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023. The 36-year-old artist appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, just hours after performing at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Brown is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) to music producer Abraham Diaw during what prosecutors have described as an “unprovoked” attack at Tape nightclub in Mayfair on February 19, 2023. The alleged incident reportedly involved the use of a tequila bottle.
He faces additional charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. However, pleas on those counts were postponed until a further court hearing scheduled for July 11.
During the Friday hearing, Brown stood in the dock wearing an ocean blue suit and black-rimmed glasses. He confirmed his name and date of birth before responding to the main charge. “Not guilty, ma’am,” he said.
His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, known professionally as HoodyBaby, also pleaded not guilty to the GBH charge.
The alleged victim, Diaw, was reportedly standing at the bar when the assault took place. According to prosecutors, “The defendant then pursued him to a separate area of the nightclub where the victim was punched and kicked repeatedly by him and another.”
Brown was arrested last month at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester after arriving in the UK for his European tour. He spent nearly a week in custody at HMP Forest Bank before being released on conditional bail after posting a £5 million security fee. The court ordered Brown to surrender his passport but allowed temporary access to travel for tour performances.
Despite the legal proceedings, Brown has continued his Breezy Bowl XX world tour, with recent shows in Amsterdam and Manchester. During his Manchester concert, he told fans, “Thank you to the jail… It was really nice,” while also expressing gratitude for their support.
The singer, known for hits like With You, Turn Up The Music, and Freaky Friday, recently won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the BET Awards in Los Angeles.
A trial date has been set for October 26, 2026, and is expected to last five to seven days. Brown will continue to perform under bail conditions until the trial begins.