Chris Brown denies London nightclub assault

Chris Brown

US singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge after an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub two years ago.

Chris Brown, 36, has been charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to music producer Abraham Diaw in what prosecutors have described as an “unprovoked” attack. The incident allegedly took place at Soho's Tape nightclub on 19 February 2023, where Brown is accused of striking Diaw multiple times with a bottle before pursuing and continuing the assault with another individual. Additional charges—assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon (a tequila bottle)—were added to his indictment before a court hearing on Friday. Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court hours after performing in Cardiff, denying the charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. His arraignment on the two new counts was adjourned, with a plea now due on 11 July and a trial set for 26 October 2026.

Wearing an ocean-blue suit and black-rimmed glasses, Brown was silent as he arrived at court, walking past photographers and a small group of fans who had gathered to show their support. Inside the courtroom, more people assembled to watch the proceedings. Once in the dock, Brown confirmed his name and birthdate before pleading “not guilty.” His co-defendant, 39-year-old American artist Omololu Akinlolu (aka HoodyBaby), also denied the attempted grievous bodily harm charge. Brown had been arrested at the Lowry Hotel in Salford in May after arriving in the UK for his European tour and was held for nearly a week. He was later released on bail after agreeing to a £5 million security fee, which he risks forfeiting if bail conditions are breached.

Under the terms of his bail, Brown must reside in the UK and has surrendered his passport to police. However, a court-approved plan allows him to temporarily retrieve his passport to fulfil tour obligations. His tour began in Amsterdam on 8 June, with the UK leg starting last weekend in Manchester, where he thanked fans and made light of his recent custody experience. Brown remains a major figure in US R&B, boasting two Grammy Awards and numerous UK hits. He recently won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the BET Awards and is currently touring in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his debut album. His next court appearance is scheduled to follow the end of his European tour.