HoodyBaby Charged With Chris Brown In Bottle Attack Incident
Chris Brown and Omololu “HoodyBaby” Akinlolu now face identical charges over a bottle‐smashing incident at London’s Tape nightclub in February 2023. Both men are accused of grievous bodily harm with intent, one of the most serious assault offences under UK law.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on May 17 that HoodyBaby, 38, will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 17, 2025. Brown, 36, was denied bail on May 16 and remanded in custody until his next hearing on June 13, 2025, at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Details of the Assault Charge
Prosecutors allege that on February 19, 2023, at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, Brown smashed a Don Julio 1942 tequila bottle over music producer Abe Diaw’s head. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Brown then chasing, punching, and kicking Diaw, leaving him unconscious and requiring hospital treatment.
HoodyBaby is accused of participating in the same attack. Both defendants face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which covers grievous bodily harm with intent.
Who Is HoodyBaby?
Omololu Akinlolu, professionally HoodyBaby, is a Dallas‐based rapper and producer. He has worked with Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and other major hip‐hop artists. Born in Nigeria and raised in Texas, he built a fanbase via SoundCloud and social media before releasing multiple mixtapes since 2010.
HoodyBaby’s style blends Southern rap with R&B influences. Until this charge, he had no known criminal record in the UK. Industry insiders regard him as a rising beat‐maker and songwriter.
Chris Brown’s Arrest and Remand
Brown was arrested on May 15, 2025, at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, under a 2023 UK warrant. He appeared before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 16, where a judge refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and risk of absconding.
Brown’s remand documents note his high profile and the need to ensure he attends future hearings. His next court date on June 13 will cover plea entry and trial preparation at Southwark Crown Court.
Breezy Bowl XX Tour in Limbo
Brown’s detention comes less than a month before his “Breezy Bowl XX” world tour was set to launch on June 8, 2025, in Amsterdam. Featuring Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, the tour spans Europe and North America into late 2025.
Promoters and venues have not yet issued official postponement notices. Ticket holders should monitor Brown’s social channels and ticketing sites for updates on possible rescheduling or refunds.
Civil Lawsuit by Abe Diaw
Separately, Abe Diaw filed a civil suit in California in October 2023. He alleges Brown’s attack caused “permanent physical damage” and “severe emotional distress,” seeking up to $16 million in medical costs, lost earnings, and pain & suffering.
The next civil hearing is set for May 30, 2025. If unresolved, a jury trial could follow in mid-2026. Diaw’s attorneys say they will pursue all legal remedies to hold Brown accountable.
Understanding Grievous Bodily Harm
GBH with intent under UK law requires proof that the defendant intended really serious injury. Key points:
Max Sentence: Life imprisonment.
Weapons: Any instrument likely to cause serious harm, including bottles.
Defences: Lack of intent, self-defence, mistaken identity.
Anyone charged with GBH should seek specialist legal counsel immediately. Even a charge can carry travel bans and strict bail conditions.
Club Safety and Your Rights
Nightlife venues can be high-risk settings. To stay safe:
Stay Aware. Keep an eye on surroundings.
Buddy System. Go with friends and agree on check-in points.
Report Quickly. Notify security or staff at the first sign of trouble.
Gather Evidence. Record videos or notes of incidents.
Medical Check-Up. Seek prompt care for any injury.
If you witness an assault, give a truthful statement to police. If arrested, request legal representation before answering questions.
Past Celebrity Assault Cases
High-profile GBH cases often set legal precedents. In 2011, soccer player Ryan Giggs was tried (and acquitted) for alleged assault on his girlfriend. In 2013, model Jeremy Meeks faced GBH charges in the U.S., highlighting how the justice system handles celebrity defendants.
Understanding past outcomes can guide expectations for trial length, plea offers, and sentencing in GBH cases.
Timeline of Key Dates
February 19, 2023: Alleged assault at Tape nightclub, Mayfair.
October 2023: Diaw files civil lawsuit in California.
May 15, 2025: Chris Brown arrested in Manchester.
May 16, 2025: Brown remanded in custody by Manchester court.
May 17, 2025: HoodyBaby charged; appears in Manchester.
May 30, 2025: Next civil hearing for Diaw’s damages claim.
June 8, 2025: Scheduled Breezy Bowl XX tour start (status pending).
June 13, 2025: Brown’s plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court.
What Happens Next
Criminal Case: Both defendants will face trial preparation hearings. The Crown Prosecution Service must serve full evidence before trial.
Civil Case: Diaw’s damages hearing may resolve through settlement or proceed to trial.
Tour Updates: Fans should check official tour and ticketing websites. Refund policies vary by region.
