Grammy award‑winning singer Chris Brown, 36, appeared at Southwark Crown Court today, where he formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent (GBH). The serious allegation stems from a February 19 2023 incident at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair, during which Brown is accused of assaulting music producer Abraham "Abe" Diaw with a tequila bottle and subsequently kicking and punching him–actions captured on club CCTV.

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Brown’s co-defendant, Dallas‑based rapper and producer Omololu Akinlolu (aka “Hoody Baby”), 38, also entered a plea of not guilty to the same GBH charge. Both men face additional counts—including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon (the tequila bottle)—but deferred entering pleas on these until the next hearing on July 11, 2025.

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The arraignment took place shortly after Brown concluded the UK leg of his Breezy Bowl XX tour, a celebration of the 20th anniversary of his debut album. He arrived at court attired in a navy-blue suit and black-rimmed glasses, speaking only to confirm his identity and criminal particulars before stating: “Not guilty, ma’am”.

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Prosecutors say Brown launched an “unprovoked attack” on Diaw, striking him repeatedly with the bottle before following him through the club and landing punches and kicks, all witnessed by onlookers and recorded via surveillance cameras. The alleged victim is reportedly seeking millions in damages, citing lasting physical and emotional trauma. Brown was arrested on May 15, 2025, at the Lowry Hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, upon his return to the UK ahead of the tour and initially denied bail. He was later granted bail on £5 million security, allowing him to continue the tour uninterrupted and begin performances across the UK and Europe.

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The full trial is scheduled to commence on October 26, 2026, and is expected to last five to seven days. Today’s plea brings to a head a high‑profile legal showdown for Brown, whose past includes a felony assault conviction in 2009 involving ex‑girlfriend Rihanna. The singer now faces a lengthy judicial process in the UK, with pivotal dates ahead that will determine the direction of both the criminal proceedings and any subsequent civil claims.