Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Friday to two additional charges related to an alleged assault on music producer Abe Diaw at a London nightclub in 2023. The incident reportedly took place at Tape, an upscale venue in Mayfair, where prosecutors claim Brown launched an unprovoked attack, striking Diaw multiple times with a bottle before continuing to punch and kick him.
At a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, Brown denied charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon — a bottle — in a public place. He had previously pleaded not guilty to a more serious charge of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Brown’s co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, a fellow musician known as Hoody Baby, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of actual bodily harm in connection with the same incident.
Brown was arrested on May 15 in Manchester as he arrived in the U.K. for his Breezy Bowl XX tour, which included performances at major venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Co-op Live in Manchester. He was released on bail set at $6.75 million and allowed to continue his European tour, beginning with a show in Amsterdam.
On May 21, Brown addressed the situation publicly for the first time, posting on Instagram: “FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!!” following a week in custody. After completing his European tour dates, he is scheduled to return to North America in late July, with performances planned in Miami and a two-night stop in Toronto.
A trial date has been set for Oct. 26, 2026.
