R&B artist Chris Brown has entered a not guilty plea to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. The accusation stems from an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.
The 36-year-old American musician is accused of chasing Abraham Diaw within the Mayfair venue in February 2023. Diaw alleges he was both punched and kicked during the incident. Brown was granted conditional bail last month, allowing him to proceed with his international tour.
Brown attended Southwark Crown Court on Friday morning for a plea and trial preparation hearing. He confirmed his identity and date of birth before entering his plea, stating "Not guilty ma'am." His defense attorney, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, noted the challenges in communicating with her client due to his work commitments.
The hearing was attended by approximately 20 people in the public gallery, many of whom were fans of the singer. A trial date, estimated to last five to seven days, has been scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Brown arrived at the court around 9 am, greeted by a large group of photographers. He entered the building without speaking. As part of his bail agreement, the "Go Crazy" singer was required to pay a £5 million security fee.
Brown and his co-defendant, 38-year-old Omololu Akinlolu, were charged in connection with the alleged assault at the Tape venue in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19, 2023.
According to Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Mr. Diaw was at the bar of the Tape nightclub when he was struck with a bottle and subsequently pursued to another area of the club, where he was repeatedly punched and kicked.
Brown was arrested at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel on May 15 by Metropolitan Police detectives. He had reportedly arrived at Manchester Airport on a private jet in preparation for his UK tour dates. He was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on May 21. Shortly after his release, Brown posted a message on Instagram referencing his upcoming tour.
6 Comments
Habibi
It’s sad that people still support him after all the violence he has been involved in.
Muchacha
There might be more to the story. Let's hear both sides before judging him.
Bermudez
He’s broken the law multiple times. Why should we believe him now?
Africa
He had the audacity to chase someone down and violently attack them. This is who he really is.
ZmeeLove
He acts like he’s untouchable. This guy is a threat and needs to be held accountable.
Muchacho
Not guilty? Of course he pleads that. This is just more drama he has brought into his life.