Chris Brown has entered a not guilty plea regarding an assault charge stemming from an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub two years ago.
The 36-year-old singer is accused of trying to inflict serious injury on music producer Abraham Diaw in what prosecutors have labeled an “unprovoked” incident.
In addition to the grievous bodily harm charge, Brown faces accusations of actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon, specifically a tequila bottle, all related to the same event.
These charges were added to his indictment before Friday’s court hearing.
The judge postponed the arraignment for the two additional charges, meaning Brown will not need to enter a plea until July 11.
His trial is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Both Chris Brown and his co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, who is 39 and performs as HoodyBaby, pleaded not guilty to the attempted grievous bodily harm charge.
Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court after performing for thousands of fans at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium earlier that day.
Dressed in an ocean blue suit and black glasses, he remained silent as he walked past a crowd of photographers upon his arrival at court.
Read also:
- UK court grants Chris Brown bail in assault charge
- Chris Brown arrested in UK following alleged assault on Music Producer
- LeBron James, Jalen Hurts, Reese, top sports honors in 2025 BET award
A few fans gathered outside to show their support, while others filled the courtroom to observe the proceedings.
Once in the dock, Brown smiled and winked at a woman in the audience while waiting for Judge Baumgartner to arrive.
He confirmed his name and date of birth, May 5, 1989, before the judge asked for his plea regarding the grievous bodily harm charge.
“Not guilty, ma’am,” he responded.
Akinlolu also pleaded not guilty to the same charge.
Brown was arrested last month at the five-star Lowry hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, after arriving in the UK for a series of European tour dates.
He spent nearly a week in custody before being released after agreeing to pay a £5 million security deposit to the court.
This deposit serves as a financial guarantee that he will return for court appearances, and he could lose the money if he violates bail conditions.
As part of his bail terms, Brown must reside at a UK address while awaiting trial and has been ordered to surrender his passport to the police.
However, a plan was established that allows him to fulfill his Breezy Bowl XX world tour commitments by temporarily surrendering his passport and retrieving it later.
