LONDON — On June 19, 2025, R&B singer Chris Brown formally pleaded not guilty to a serious assault charge stemming from a February 2023 nightclub incident in London. Appearing before Southwark Crown Court, the 36-year-old entertainer denied one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. The charge relates to allegations that Brown struck music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle at Tape, an exclusive nightclub in the upscale Mayfair district.
Brown’s co-defendant, 38-year-old Omololu Akinlolu—better known by his stage name “HoodyBaby”—entered the same plea. The case is part of a broader investigation into a violent episode that allegedly involved multiple assaults during the early hours of February 19, 2023.
No pleas were entered for the additional charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. Both men were granted bail and are scheduled to return to court on July 11, when the court may formally address the remaining charges. A full trial is expected to begin on October 26, 2026, and could last up to a week.
According to prosecutors, CCTV footage captured Brown striking Diaw in the head with a glass tequila bottle, followed by a sequence of punches and kicks after the victim fell unconscious. Diaw reportedly sustained serious head injuries and ligament damage. A civil lawsuit seeking £12 million (approximately $16 million) in damages was filed by Diaw in 2023, citing physical trauma and emotional distress from the incident.
During the brief June 19 hearing, Brown spoke only to confirm his identity and plea. He exited the courtroom without making public remarks, flanked by supporters who shouted words of encouragement, including “We love you, Chris.”
Brown’s legal team secured his release with a £5 million bail bond under strict conditions. He was required to surrender his passport but has been granted temporary travel permissions to continue performing on his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour, which marks the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut album. The stadium tour includes stops across major European cities such as Cardiff, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin.
Despite the ongoing legal case, Brown’s tour has proceeded as planned. In many cities, the singer has received strong fan turnout, underscoring his enduring popularity even amid mounting legal scrutiny. The tour features guest performances from artists like Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, with shows selling out in several venues.
This latest legal development adds to a complex public narrative for Brown, whose career has been marred by prior allegations and convictions. His 2009 felony assault conviction for attacking pop singer Rihanna remains a defining moment, and subsequent legal entanglements have included claims involving altercations with fans, photographers, and collaborators.
The London assault case, however, could prove to be one of the most serious legal challenges Brown has faced in over a decade. If convicted on the most severe charge—attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent—he could face a prison sentence of up to 16 years under UK law.
For now, Brown maintains his innocence, and his legal representatives have indicated he intends to fully contest the charges. A spokesperson for Brown did not provide additional comment following the June 19 hearing.
The upcoming July 11 court date will be critical in determining whether the Crown Prosecution Service will press forward with the lesser charges, consolidate them, or prepare for the full trial scheduled for autumn 2026. Meanwhile, both legal and music industry observers are watching closely, as Brown continues to navigate a precarious intersection of public performance and legal defense.