Chris Brown’s legal troubles in the UK are only just beginning after the Grammy-winning artiste pleaded not guilty at a recent hearing. The singer now faces a lengthy court process stemming from a 2023 nightclub incident. The megastar has been formally charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and is expected to return to court in the coming weeks to respond to two additional charges tied to the same case.
At the heart of the matter is an alleged altercation that took place at Tape nightclub. Brown and fellow musician Omololu Akinlolu were at the venue in Mayfair, London, when they allegedly assaulted producer Abe Diaw in February last year. The 36-year-old entertainer is accused of attacking Diaw with a bottle, which could explain one of the added charges, possession of an offensive weapon.
Brown was taken into custody hours after he arrived in Manchester, London, due to an active warrant that was issued months ago. Brown has pleaded not guilty to the main charge during a brief appearance at Southwark Crown Court. He did not address the additional charges, assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, leaving those pleas for a later court date.
That next hearing has been scheduled after the completion of Brown’s ongoing European tour on July 11, allowing him to fulfil his professional commitments while still complying with the court’s requirements.
A trial date has been set for October 26, 2026, more than three years after the incident occurred. The lengthy timeline means that both the defence and the prosecution will have ample time to prepare. Brown’s co-defendant, Akinlolu, also entered a not-guilty plea and is expected to face trial alongside him. Brown has remained relatively quiet about the charges.