London, June 20, 2025 — American singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to serious assault charges stemming from an alleged attack at a central London nightclub in early 2023. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, Brown denied a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, following claims that he struck a music producer with a bottle during a heated altercation.
The alleged incident took place at Tape nightclub in Mayfair on February 19, 2023, where Brown had been partying after a concert. The accuser, music producer Abe Diaw, alleges that Brown used a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila as a weapon, striking him repeatedly, before chasing him and continuing the assault with punches and kicks.
The singer, 36, entered his plea during a brief court appearance, responding “Not guilty, ma’am” when asked to confirm his plea. He stood alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, known as rapper HoodyBaby, who also pleaded not guilty to the same charge.
– In addition to the primary charge, Brown is also facing:
– One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
– One count of possession of an offensive weapon (the bottle)
No pleas were entered on those charges during Thursday’s hearing. The next court date is scheduled for July 11, 2025, when further pleas are expected to be entered, and a clearer picture of the legal trajectory may emerge.
The court confirmed a trial date of October 26, 2026, with proceedings expected to last up to one week.
Brown was arrested in Manchester in May 2025, shortly after arriving in the UK as part of his European tour. Initially remanded in custody, he was later granted conditional bail on May 21, following the posting of a £5 million surety, one of the largest ever secured in a UK celebrity criminal case.
As part of his bail conditions:
• Brown must surrender his passport and is barred from international travel without court permission.
• He is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or co-defendants.
• He must reside at a known London address during the case.
In addition to the criminal case, Abe Diaw is pursuing a civil claim against Brown, reportedly seeking damages of between £12 million and £16 million for physical injuries, emotional distress, and loss of professional income.
Brown, known for previous legal troubles including his 2009 assault of singer Rihanna, has continued to draw both scrutiny and support. Outside the courthouse on Thursday, a group of fans gathered, shouting messages of support: “We love you, Chris!”
Despite the charges, Brown’s “Breezy Bowl XX” tour has continued across Europe, with sold-out venues and no official cancellations announced.
Under UK law, the charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent is among the most serious assault-related offences. If convicted, Brown could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, although sentences typically range from several years to over a decade depending on the severity and circumstances.
Chris Brown is set to;
• July 11, 2025 – Next court appearance for plea on additional charges.
• October 26, 2026 – Criminal trial scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court.
• Civil litigation to proceed independently and may run in parallel to the criminal proceedings.
Brown has maintained his innocence and continues to perform publicly while adhering to court-imposed conditions. His legal team has not issued a formal statement but indicated they will “vigorously defend” the charges.
The high-profile nature of the case ensures it will remain under public and media scrutiny as it unfolds.
