Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges in UK Assault Case

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By The General Justice Lawyer, July 11

London, UK — Chris Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court today and formally entered not guilty pleas to two additional charges stemming from an alleged assault at a London nightclub in February 2023. The Grammy-winning singer had previously denied one count of grievous bodily harm with intent. With today’s appearance, Brown has now pled not guilty to all three criminal charges pending against him.

Chris Brown UK Hearing — ARRIVAL
On July 11, Chris Brown arrived at Southwark Crown Court today wearing a brown checked blazer, white shirt, and red-and-yellow striped tie topped off with oversized sunglasses and a straight face.
🟨 No confirmed plea yet on the new charges. Trial… https://t.co/oejdWfoCPg
— Gen Just Law (@genjustlaw) July 11, 2025

The two new counts presented today were assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Prosecutors allege that Brown struck music producer Abraham “Abe” Diaw multiple times with a tequila bottle inside Tape nightclub in Mayfair before punching and kicking him after he collapsed. The bottle, a Don Julio 1942, is alleged to have been used as a weapon. Brown denies the attack was unprovoked or intentional.

This hearing marks the second time Brown has appeared in court over the case. At his June 20 hearing, he entered a not guilty plea to the initial charge of grievous bodily harm and was released on £5 million bail. He appeared in court today alongside co-defendant Omololu “Hoody Baby” Akinlolu, who faces similar charges and has likewise denied any wrongdoing. Akinlolu is also expected to enter a plea on the ABH charge at a later date.

Now that Brown has pleaded not guilty to all charges, the case will proceed to trial. A full jury trial is currently scheduled for October 26, 2026, and is expected to last five to seven days. Under UK law, grievous bodily harm with intent under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 is among the most serious forms of assault and carries a potential life sentence, though most cases result in far lower penalties. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm under Section 47 carries a maximum sentence of five years, while possession of an offensive weapon in a public place can carry up to four years’ imprisonment.

The not guilty pleas mean the Crown Prosecution Service must now prepare to prove each charge beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecutors are expected to rely on surveillance footage from the nightclub, eyewitness testimony, and the victim’s medical records. Brown’s legal team, in turn, is likely to challenge both the intent and the identification elements of the charges, focusing on whether Brown’s actions constituted unlawful force or were misinterpreted in the chaos of a crowded venue.

The criminal case comes after a civil suit filed by Diaw seeking £12 million in damages was voluntarily dismissed last month. That suit’s withdrawal does not affect the criminal proceedings but may indicate either a private settlement or a strategic shift by Diaw and his legal team. The Crown Prosecution Service has emphasized that criminal prosecution proceeds independently of any civil resolution.

With today’s developments, the stage is set for a high-profile courtroom battle in 2026. Brown continues to perform on tour under strict bail conditions, which include travel limitations and a financial bond. The outcome of this case could have significant implications not only for Brown’s legal record but for his international touring and business activities moving forward.