Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) after an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023. The case has drawn significant media attention, particularly given Brown’s previous legal troubles and high-profile status in the music industry.
The 36-year-old singer is accused of assaulting the music producer Abraham Diaw at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair in February 2023 in an incident that has been described as “unprovoked” by prosecutors. Tape nightclub, located in London’s exclusive Mayfair district, has been frequented by numerous celebrities and is known for its upscale clientele and strict security protocols.
Brown also faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon in the form of a tequila bottle relating to the same incident and both charges were added to his indictment ahead of Friday morning’s (20.06.25) hearing at Southwark Crown Court – which came just hours after he had performed at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as part of his Breezy Bowl XX World Tour. The Principality Stadium is one of Wales’ premier entertainment venues and has hosted numerous major international artists.
The Beautiful People hitmaker will return to court on July 11 to enter pleas to those charges before facing trial on October 26, 2026. This extended timeline is typical for complex assault cases in the UK legal system, where thorough preparation is essential for both prosecution and defense teams.
“Not guilty ma’am,” Brown confirmed his name and date of birth at the hearing before entering his plea, stating. The formal court proceedings followed standard protocol for serious criminal charges in the Crown Court system.
The music star’s co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu – an American national who performs under the name HoodyBaby – also entered a not guilty plea to the charge of grievous bodily harm. Akinlolu is reportedly part of Brown’s touring entourage and has been associated with the singer’s performances and business ventures.
Brown was arrested in Manchester last month after his arrival in the UK to prepare for a series of European dates on his world tour. The arrest took place at Manchester Airport, marking a significant disruption to his planned tour preparations and creating widespread media coverage across European entertainment outlets.
The R&B star was held in custody for nearly a week before he was released after agreeing to pay a £5 million security fee to the court. This substantial bail amount reflects both the seriousness of the charges and demonstrates the court’s recognition of Brown‘s international profile and financial capacity.
The security fee is a financial guarantee to ensure he returns to court and Brown could be asked to forfeit the money should he breach his bail conditions. Such high-value bail arrangements are relatively uncommon in UK courts but serve as a significant deterrent against flight risk.
Judge Tony Baumgartner confirmed that the singer would be allowed to continue his world tour and the UK leg started last weekend. The decision to permit tour continuation represents a careful balance between legal obligations and the economic interests of venues, promoters, and ticket holders.
“And thank you to the jail. It was really nice,” during his gig in Manchester last Sunday (15.06.25), Brown thanked fans “for coming and supporting me”. The Go Crazy singer quipped. His remarks generated considerable discussion on social media platforms and among entertainment journalists covering the tour.
Brown’s tour – which marks the 20th anniversary of his eponymous debut album – continues with two gigs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London this weekend and his next court hearing will take place once the European dates are complete. The tour represents a major milestone in Brown’s career, celebrating two decades since his breakthrough in the music industry.
This latest legal challenge adds to Brown’s complex relationship with the UK entertainment industry and legal system. The case has prompted renewed discussions about celebrity accountability and the responsibilities that come with international touring and high-profile performances.
Legal experts following the case note that the charges carry potentially serious consequences, with grievous bodily harm allegations representing some of the most significant assault charges in English criminal law. The involvement of an alleged weapon adds additional complexity to the prosecution’s case.
The entertainment industry continues to monitor the proceedings closely, as the outcome could influence venue policies regarding celebrity bookings and security arrangements. Industry professionals emphasize the importance of maintaining safe environments for all patrons while accommodating high-profile guests and their entourages.
