Is Chris Brown's career at risk after new assault charges and a not-guilty plea?
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jun 23, 2025, 23:22 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
R&B singer Chris Brown faces assault charges. He and Akinlolu deny attacking Abraham Diaw at a London nightclub in February 2023. Brown is also charged with possessing a bottle as a weapon. Brown secured bail with a hefty payment. The trial is set for October 2026. Despite the legal issues, Brown continues his international tour.
Brown, 36, is accused of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously inflict grievous bodily harm with intent on Abraham Diaw during an incident at Tape nightclub in Mayfair on Feb. 19, 2023. Brown, confirming his identity in court, responded, “Not guilty, ma’am,” when asked to enter a plea, according to PA Media.
Akinlolu, who turned 39 on the day of the hearing, also entered a not guilty plea to the same charge. Both men face an additional count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as, in Brown’s case, a charge of possessing an offensive weapon — identified as a bottle — in a public place. They were not required to enter pleas on those remaining charges during Friday’s session.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 11.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to earlier testimony presented at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Diaw was allegedly struck multiple times with a bottle while standing at the bar in the nightclub. The assault is said to have continued in another area of the venue, where Diaw was reportedly punched and kicked.
Brown was arrested at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel at 2 a.m. on May 15, 2024, by Metropolitan Police officers. He was later released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford on May 21 after securing conditional bail.
As part of his release terms, Brown was ordered to post £4 million (approximately $5.4 million) in bail, with an additional £1 million due within seven days. These sums serve as financial guarantees to ensure his compliance with court requirements and return for trial. Failure to adhere to bail conditions could result in the forfeiture of the posted amounts.
Public and Legal Response
Roughly 20 spectators, including fans of the R&B singer, were present in the public gallery at Southwark Crown Court during Friday’s proceedings, according to PA Media.
Despite the ongoing legal matter, Brown has continued performing as part of his international tour. On Thursday night, he took the stage in Cardiff — just hours before his court appearance in London.
The high-profile case adds to a controversial legal history for the artist, whose previous criminal convictions and public altercations have drawn scrutiny. His legal team has not issued a public statement regarding the latest charges.
A trial, expected to last five to seven days, has been scheduled for October 2026.
Akinlolu, who turned 39 on the day of the hearing, also entered a not guilty plea to the same charge. Both men face an additional count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as, in Brown’s case, a charge of possessing an offensive weapon — identified as a bottle — in a public place. They were not required to enter pleas on those remaining charges during Friday’s session.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 11.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to earlier testimony presented at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Diaw was allegedly struck multiple times with a bottle while standing at the bar in the nightclub. The assault is said to have continued in another area of the venue, where Diaw was reportedly punched and kicked.
Brown was arrested at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel at 2 a.m. on May 15, 2024, by Metropolitan Police officers. He was later released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford on May 21 after securing conditional bail.
As part of his release terms, Brown was ordered to post £4 million (approximately $5.4 million) in bail, with an additional £1 million due within seven days. These sums serve as financial guarantees to ensure his compliance with court requirements and return for trial. Failure to adhere to bail conditions could result in the forfeiture of the posted amounts.
Public and Legal Response
Roughly 20 spectators, including fans of the R&B singer, were present in the public gallery at Southwark Crown Court during Friday’s proceedings, according to PA Media.
Despite the ongoing legal matter, Brown has continued performing as part of his international tour. On Thursday night, he took the stage in Cardiff — just hours before his court appearance in London.
The high-profile case adds to a controversial legal history for the artist, whose previous criminal convictions and public altercations have drawn scrutiny. His legal team has not issued a public statement regarding the latest charges.
A trial, expected to last five to seven days, has been scheduled for October 2026.