Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Assault Charges in London

Chris Brown appeared in a London court on Friday, July 11, where he pleaded not guilty to two additional charges stemming from an alleged nightclub assault on music producer Amadou “Abe” Diaw in February 2023.

Accused of Assault With a Tequila Bottle

Brown faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and carrying an offensive weapon. Prosecutors allege he attacked Diaw with a tequila bottle and stomped on him during the altercation.

Previous Plea and Courtroom Support

Last month, Brown pleaded not guilty to the most serious assault charge but delayed addressing the other charges while his legal team reviewed newly submitted evidence. During Friday’s hearing, about 20 supporters were present, with some shouting words of encouragement as Brown left court.

Arrest, Bond, and Tour

Brown was arrested in May at a Manchester hotel. Initially denied bail due to the severity of the allegations, he was later released on a $6.7 million bond. Despite the charges, Brown was permitted to continue his world tour, which kicked off in the U.K. and Europe and is set to reach North America later this month.

Rapper HoodyBaby Also Charged

HoodyBaby, also known as Omolulu Akinlolu, was charged alongside Brown. Akinlolu, a close friend and collaborator of the singer, pleaded not guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and causing actual bodily harm.

Related Civil Suit Dropped

The criminal case follows a civil lawsuit Diaw filed against Brown in October 2023 over the same alleged attack. Diaw dismissed the civil suit with prejudice recently, meaning it cannot be refiled. No settlement has been confirmed.

For more on Brown’s legal trouble, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.