Chris Brown, the American R&B star, has pleaded not guilty to serious assault charges at a London court following accusations he violently attacked a music producer with a tequila bottle during a nightclub row.
The 35-year-old singer appeared before Judge Tom Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court on Friday. He faces charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, among others, relating to an incident said to have taken place in February 2023.
Prosecutors allege Brown struck Amadou “Abe” Diaw over the head with a bottle before stomping on him while inside Tape, a high-end nightclub in central London.
Brown, who wore a black suit and kept largely silent during the hearing, sat in a glass enclosure as the court was told of the violent episode. When asked how he pleaded to the main charge, he replied: “Not guilty.”
Two additional charges were also mentioned in court: assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. However, Brown has not yet entered pleas on those counts. His legal team requested more time to review fresh evidence recently handed over by the Crown Prosecution Service. A second hearing is scheduled for 11 July.
Judge Baumgartner confirmed the trial is set for October 2026 and is expected to last up to seven days. He acknowledged the delays but stressed the complexity of the case and the importance of proper legal preparation.
Brown was first arrested in May 2025 while staying at a Manchester hotel. A judge initially denied bail, citing the “extremely serious” nature of the allegations. He spent several days in custody before being released on $6.7 million (£5.3 million) bail after a review hearing.
Since then, the singer has resumed touring. At his Manchester concert in early June, he addressed the arrest with a quip: “Thank you to the jail. It was really nice.” He also expressed appreciation to fans for their support.
Brown is not the only one facing charges. Rapper HoodyBaby, real name Omolulu Akinlolu, was also charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the same nightclub altercation. Akinlolu, a close associate and collaborator of Brown’s, likewise pleaded not guilty on Friday.
Neither the alleged victim nor his representatives have made a public statement since the court hearing. Brown’s team has also declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal process.
This is not Brown’s first brush with the law. The singer, who rose to fame in the mid-2000s, has faced several high-profile legal issues, including his 2009 conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna. Despite repeated controversies, he continues to maintain a loyal fan base and active presence in global music circles.
The upcoming hearing in July is expected to determine whether further charges will be contested and how the case will proceed towards trial.
