R&B superstar Chris Brown has entered a not guilty plea in a London court, denying allegations that he assaulted a music producer during a nightclub incident in 2023. The singer, 36, is accused of launching an unprovoked attack involving a tequila bottle at a popular club in Soho, which reportedly left producer Abraham Diaw injured.
Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court just hours after performing to a packed stadium in Cardiff. Dressed in an ocean blue suit and wearing black-rimmed glasses, the artist made his way past a crowd of photographers and a handful of supporters gathered outside. Inside the courtroom, several fans filled the gallery, eager to catch a glimpse of the global music star.
Once in the dock, Brown confirmed his identity and birthdate before pleading “not guilty” to the charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. His co-accused, Omololu Akinlolu—also known as HoodyBaby—entered a similar plea on the same charge.
In addition to the GBH accusation, Brown faces two more charges: assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon—the bottle allegedly used in the attack. These charges, added shortly before the hearing, are part of the same nightclub incident but will be addressed at a later court date, with arraignment set for July 11.
The trial for the main GBH charge is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
The alleged incident took place on the night of February 19, 2023, at Tape nightclub in Soho. According to court documents, the victim was reportedly standing at the bar when the singer struck him multiple times with a bottle in an attack described as sudden and aggressive. It is alleged that Brown then pursued the victim to another section of the venue, where he and another person continued to assault him with punches and kicks.
Brown was arrested at a luxury hotel in Greater Manchester in May after arriving in the UK for a European tour. He spent nearly a week in custody before securing his release by paying a hefty £5 million security fee—a sum meant to ensure his compliance with bail conditions. Under these conditions, Brown is required to remain in the UK and has surrendered his passport to authorities. However, arrangements have been made to temporarily return the passport when he needs to travel for his tour performances.
Despite the legal troubles, Brown has continued with his European tour. He performed in Amsterdam earlier this month and kicked off the UK leg of his tour with shows in Manchester, where he lightheartedly referenced his time in custody, thanking fans for their support and joking about the experience behind bars.
The R&B singer remains one of the most successful artists in the genre, with multiple awards and chart-topping hits. His current tour celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album and includes upcoming shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The next court date is expected to follow the conclusion of his European tour.
