American R&B artist Chris Brown has formally pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and attempted grievous bodily harm following a violent nightclub incident in London.
The singer, aged 36, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, June 20, 2025, alongside his co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a fellow musician known as HoodyBaby. Both men denied accusations of attacking music producer Abraham Diaw with a bottle at the high-end Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district in February 2023.
The prosecution alleges that Chris Brown struck Diaw repeatedly over the head with a bottle of tequila before continuing to kick and punch him after he fell to the ground.
The incident reportedly occurred in the club’s VIP area, and surveillance footage was said to have captured the attack. The alleged victim, Diaw, is also pursuing a civil suit against Chris Brown in the amount of £12 million.
During the hearing, Chris Brown spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter a plea of “not guilty, ma’am” to the charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
The judge has scheduled a further plea hearing for July 11, at which Brown will respond to two additional counts: assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, specifically the bottle used in the alleged attack. The trial is set to begin on October 26, 2026, and is expected to last up to seven days.
Brown, who was granted bail in May under strict conditions, is permitted to travel internationally only for professional performances. As part of his bail agreement, he provided a £5 million security and was required to surrender his passport, which he can temporarily reclaim for work-related travel.
He is currently in the middle of a UK tour and performed in Cardiff shortly before the court appearance. He is expected to continue with planned concerts in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
This is not the first time Chris Brown has faced legal troubles. His criminal history includes a 2009 felony assault conviction involving singer Rihanna and other assault-related incidents over the past decade. The current charges, however, mark one of the most serious he has faced in recent years and could carry significant legal and professional consequences if found guilty.
Brown’s legal team has not issued a detailed public comment, while representatives for the alleged victim, Diaw, have reiterated that their client is seeking justice through both criminal and civil proceedings.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Brown continues to perform before packed venues, and public opinion remains divided between loyal supporters and those demanding accountability.
What’s Next for Chris Brown
The case is scheduled to return to Southwark Crown Court on July 11 for a plea hearing concerning the two additional charges. The full trial, which will examine the charge of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, is slated to begin on October 26, 2026.
Until then, Chris Brown remains free on conditional bail and is expected to proceed with his European tour dates. The outcome of the trial will likely have significant implications for his career, public image, and potential future performances in the UK and beyond.
In the lead-up to the trial, Chris Brown is expected to continue fulfilling his tour obligations under the bail conditions set by the court. He has upcoming performances in major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
His ability to perform internationally, however, will remain closely monitored and subject to legal approval as the trial date draws near. Legal experts have noted that while conditional bail allows him to work, any perceived breach, such as unauthorised travel or failure to attend hearings, could result in immediate consequences, including remand or forfeiture of the £5 million security.
The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for his ability to tour globally, maintain brand partnerships, and preserve his place in the music industry.
With his legal team preparing a strong defence and the prosecution reportedly armed with detailed surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, the case promises to be one of the most closely followed celebrity legal battles in recent memory.
