Chris Brown Denies Assault Charges in London Court
American R&B star Chris Brown, aged 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged nightclub altercation in London. Appearing in court dressed in a dark suit with glasses, Brown responded firmly, "Not guilty, ma'am," when the accusation was read.
A High-Stakes Bail and Scheduled Trial
Currently out on £5 million ($6.7 million) bail, Brown acknowledged the severity of the charges, waving briefly to onlookers as he exited the courtroom. The singer faces allegations of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent from an incident last year.
The trial is slated to begin on October 26, 2026, and is expected to last between five and seven days. Brown was initially detained for nearly a week in May following his arrest in Manchester but was granted bail shortly thereafter. The bail agreement mandates his appearance at all court proceedings or risks forfeiting the substantial financial guarantee.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The charge stems from a February 19, 2023 incident at a nightclub in London's Hanover Square. Authorities allege that Brown struck the victim multiple times with a bottle before pursuing, punching, and kicking him. The alleged victim, Abraham Diah, is directly connected to the assault allegations.
Brown's co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, a US national, faced the same charges and also pleaded not guilty. Both men are jointly charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with pleas for this charge scheduled for July 11.
Additional Bail Conditions and Tour Plans
- Brown surrendered his passport unless traveling for approved reasons
- He must reside at a court-approved address
- He is prohibited from entering the nightclub involved in the incident or contacting the alleged victim
Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Brown continues to perform internationally. His UK tour is underway, having kicked off in Amsterdam on June 8, with a London show planned for Saturday. Future tour stops include dates in France, Portugal, and the United States, concluding in Memphis by mid-October.
The Artist Behind the Headlines
Brown rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like "Kiss, Kiss," building a reputation with his distinctive R&B voice and occasional rap verses. Yet, his career has been marred by repeated allegations of abuse, complicating his public image.
Police detained Brown early on May 13 at a Manchester hotel after he flew in by private jet. Alongside the assault charges, he faces an additional allegation of carrying an offensive weapon—a bottle—in public.
