Chris Brown appeared at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Friday to face two additional charges tied to a 2023 nightclub assault.
The R&B singer pleaded not guilty to both counts—assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, identified as a tequila bottle. These charges stem from an alleged attack in February 2023 at TAPE nightclub, where music producer Abraham Diaw claims Brown struck him in the head with a bottle during a violent confrontation.
Dressed in a brown suit, Brown stood before the judge less than a month after entering a separate not guilty plea for attempted grievous bodily harm, the most severe charge in the case. His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
Brown’s trial is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026. Prosecutors allege he and Akinlolu assaulted Diaw during a dispute inside the private members-only venue. According to court filings, Diaw sustained injuries after being struck and allegedly left unconscious at the scene.
Brown was arrested in May during a return trip to England—his first since the incident. Authorities detained him at a Manchester hotel, then released him on conditional bail. As part of his release, the singer surrendered his passport and paid a court-ordered sum equivalent to $6.7 million USD.
Diaw’s legal representation in the U.S., attorney Ryan J. Daneshrad, stated that his client remains committed to seeking justice through the British legal system. Though Diaw voluntarily withdrew a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles last month, that decision does not impact the ongoing criminal proceedings in the U.K.
Brown, who has a documented history of legal trouble and violent behavior, now faces serious consequences that could further complicate his international travel and public image. While he continues to perform and record music, the looming court date and fresh charges threaten to derail future plans. His legal team has not issued a public statement since Friday’s arraignment.
As the case moves closer to trial, questions around accountability and celebrity privilege remain at the forefront. For Diaw and his legal team, the focus is squarely on ensuring that the events of that night in London receive full judicial scrutiny, regardless of fame or reputation.
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