Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Friday to two additional charges stemming from a 2023 nightclub assault in London involving a music producer.
The 36-year-old artist had previously denied the more serious charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm during a hearing last month. At Southwark Crown Court on Friday, Brown also pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm to producer Abraham Diaw. The incident allegedly took place in February 2023 at Tape, a high-end nightclub located in London’s upscale Mayfair district.
Wearing a light brown suit, Brown appeared composed during the short court hearing, where he also denied possessing an offensive weapon — identified as a bottle — in a public space.
The courtroom was filled with around 20 fans seated in the public gallery, several of whom audibly gasped as the singer — known for hits like “Go Crazy,” “Run It,” and “Kiss Kiss” — entered.
Brown’s co-defendant and fellow musician, 39-year-old Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of actual bodily harm.
According to prosecutors, the alleged attack was captured on surveillance cameras inside the club, which was crowded at the time.
Brown was released on bail in May, with conditions including a £5 million (approximately $6.75 million) bond. The release allowed him to continue his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour. After performing across Europe, he is scheduled to return to North America later this month, beginning with a show in Miami, followed by a U.S. tour that includes a two-night stop in Toronto.
Chris Brown rose to fame as a teenager in 2005 and has since become a prominent figure in R&B. He won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2011 for F.A.M.E. and earned a second Grammy earlier this year for 11:11.