American R&B superstar Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to two new charges connected to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.
The 36-year-old Grammy-winning artist appeared at Southwark Crown Court Friday morning, facing accusations of actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon — a tequila bottle — during an altercation prosecutors described as “unprovoked.”
These charges are in addition to a more serious count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), to which Brown had already pleaded not guilty earlier this year. The incident allegedly took place at Tape, a popular Soho nightclub, on the night of February 19, 2023. The alleged victim, music producer Abraham Diaw, was reportedly struck several times with a bottle while standing at the bar.
Wearing a brown suit and dark-rimmed glasses, Brown arrived at court under heavy media attention. He gave a small wave to cameras and placed his hand on his chest as he entered the courtroom. Around 20 devoted fans gathered in the public gallery, with some shouting “We love you, Chris” as he exited.
Brown, who was arrested in May at the luxury Lowry Hotel in Manchester upon his return to the UK, was held in custody for nearly a week before securing bail by posting a £5 million security fee — a financial guarantee ensuring his return to court. His bail conditions include residing at a UK address and surrendering his passport, although a special arrangement allows temporary access to his passport for international performances.
Despite the legal cloud, Brown has continued his Breezy Bowl XX world tour, kicking off the European leg in Amsterdam on June 8 and wrapping up in Paris last weekend. The North American stretch is scheduled to begin later this month.
His co-defendant, 39-year-old American rapper Omololu Akinlolu, known professionally as HoodyBaby, also entered not guilty pleas to charges of actual bodily harm and attempted GBH.
Brown, one of the most successful names in contemporary R&B, has two Grammy Awards and a string of global hits including With You, Turn Up the Music, and Freaky Friday. His trial is set for October 2026.
