Chris Brown pleaded not guilty Friday (June 20) to the serious beating of a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub in 2023. The Grammy-winning singer wore a blue suit, white shirt, and black-rimmed glasses for his arraignment in London’s Southwark Crown Court. Outside of his legal troubles, Breezy is celebrating two decades in the music industry with his ‘Breezy Bowl XX’ tour, which kicked off in Europe earlier this month.
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More Details About Chris Brown’s Not Guilty Plea In London Case
For context, Chris Brown faces one count of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent, per the Associated Press. Also worth noting: Brown’s friend and fellow musician Omololu Akinlolu pleaded not guilty to the same charge. The 39-year-old performs under the name “Hoody Baby.”
Prosecutors previously said Brown and Akinlolu assaulted producer Abe Diaw at a bar in the Tape nightclub in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in February 2023. Brown allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on Diaw and hit him several times with a bottle, and then punched and kicked him on the ground. Surveillance cameras caught the attack, which prosecutors say happened in front of a club full of people.
When a court clerk asked Brown how he pleaded to the grievous bodily harm count, he replied: “Not guilty, ma’am.”
What Happens Next?
Prosecutors initially charged Chris Brown with a single count of grievous bodily harm after his arrest in May. However, prosecutors subsequently brought an indictment adding two counts: assault causing actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon. That weapon is listed as the bottle Brown allegedly used in the attack. The singer did not enter pleas on the additional counts.
Brown will return to court on July 11 to face those charges after wrapping up the European leg of his world tour. If an agreement is not reached, his trial is already scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026.
Meanwhile, ‘Breezy Bowl XX’ Is Still Going On…
Officials released the singer of ‘Go Crazy,’ ‘Run It,’ and ‘Kiss Kiss’ last month on a 5 million-pound ($6.75 million) bail. The release, which a court initially blocked, allowed him to start his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour earlier this month.
Following his release after almost a week in jail, Brown posted on Instagram: “FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!! BREEZYBOWL.”
Breezy is currently touring the U.K. Ironically, he’s performing this weekend in London, followed by shows in Ireland, Scotland, France, and Portugal. He returns to North America at the end of July to play Miami before moving across the U.S. The R&B and pop star also has a two-night stop in Toronto along the way.
Chris Brown, who quickly rose to stardom as a teen in 2005, won his first Grammy for best R&B album in 2011 for ‘F.A.M.E.’ He earned his second in the same category for ’11:11 (Deluxe)’ earlier this year.
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Associated Press Staff Brian Melley contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
