Grammy-winning artist Chris Brown entered a not-guilty plea on Friday, June 20, 2025, concerning a charge linked to the severe assault of a music producer with a bottle at a London nightclub in 2023.
Brown, aged 36, made his not-guilty plea at Southwark Crown Court to a single count of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.
His associate and fellow artist Omololu Akinlolu, 38, known by his stage name “Hoody Baby,” also pleaded not guilty to the identical charge.
According to prosecutors, Brown and Akinlolu attacked producer Abe Diaw at the Tape nightclub located in the upscale Mayfair area in February 2023. It is alleged that Brown initiated an unprovoked assault on Diaw, striking him multiple times with a bottle, followed by punches and kicks.
The incident was recorded on surveillance cameras in front of a crowd at the club, as stated by the prosecutors.
Last month, Brown was released on a bail of 5 million pounds ($6.75 million), which permitted him to commence his world tour earlier this month.
Having emerged in the music industry as a teenager in 2005, Brown secured his first Grammy award for best R&B album in 2011 with “F.A.M.E.” and subsequently won his second in the same category for “11:11 (Deluxe)” earlier this year.
His popular tracks include hits like “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss,” and “Without You.”
The tour is scheduled to begin on June 8 in Amsterdam, followed by performances in North America starting in July.
