Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to assault charges related to a 2023 nightclub altercation in London. The 36-year-old US singer is accused of attacking music producer Abraham Diaw with a
tequila bottle at Tape nightclub in what prosecutors call an “unprovoked” incident.
He faces three charges:
- Attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Possession of an offensive weapon (a tequila bottle)
Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, shortly after performing in Cardiff. Wearing a blue suit, he confirmed his identity and denied the GBH charge. His co-defendant, rapper Omololu Akinlolu (HoodyBaby), also pleaded not guilty.
The GBH trial is set for 26 October 2026. Pleas on the remaining charges are due on 11 July.
Brown was arrested last month at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester and released after posting a £5 million security bond. He must stay in the UK and surrender his passport, though he's allowed temporary access to fulfill world tour commitments.
Despite the legal troubles, Brown is currently touring Europe, with recent shows in Amsterdam and Manchester. During one concert, he joked, “Thank you to the jail. It was really nice.”
Prosecutors allege Brown hit Diaw multiple times and continued the assault in another area of the club, where the victim was punched and kicked.
Brown, a Grammy-winning R&B artist, continues to perform and recently won best male R&B/pop artist at the BET Awards. His tour marks 20 years since his debut album. Photo by Pelpa Time Production, Wikimedia commons.