R&B singer Chris Brown has denied further charges related to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.
The 36-year-old American musician pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Abraham Diaw at Tape, a private members’ club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19, 2023.
He also denied possession of an offensive weapon – a bottle – in a public place.
Brown had previously denied the more serious charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
His co-defendant, 39-year-old US national Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Friday.
Both men sat side-by-side in the dock and looked straight ahead during the hearing at Southwark Crown Court.
Approximately 20 fans were in the public gallery behind the dock, with audible gasps as the singer entered the courtroom.
A trial, estimated to last five to seven days, has been scheduled for October 26, 2026.
The singer was permitted to proceed with his planned international tour after his conditional bail was granted in May.
As part of the bail agreement, he was required to pay a £5 million (€5.8 million) security fee to the court. This acts as a financial guarantee to ensure his return to court and could be forfeited if he violates the bail conditions.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court had previously heard that Mr. Diaw was standing at the bar inside Tape nightclub when he was struck repeatedly with a bottle. He was then reportedly pursued to a separate area of the club, where he was punched and kicked.
Brown was arrested at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel at 2:00 a.m. on May 15 by detectives from the Metropolitan Police.
He is believed to have flown into Manchester Airport via private jet in preparation for his scheduled UK tour dates.
Brown was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on May 21.
Shortly after his release, Brown posted an Instagram story referencing his upcoming tour.
The post read: “FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!! BREEZYBOWL.”
