Chris Brown pleads NOT GUILTY to actual bodily harm charge during second court appearance
US singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon at Southwark Crown Court today.
The 36-year-old R&B star entered the pleas during his second court appearance relating to an alleged bottle attack on music producer Abraham Diaw at a London nightclub.
Brown denied the charge of causing actual bodily harm, which is less serious than the grievous bodily harm charge he pleaded not guilty to last month.
He also pleaded not guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
The Grammy Award-winning artist, known for hits including “Loyal” and “Run It”, appeared at the London court this morning.
The charges relate to an alleged incident at Tape, a private members’ club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19, 2023.
Prosecutors have described the incident as an “unprovoked attack” on Mr Diaw at the venue.
Brown’s co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, 39, has also pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
The rapper, who performs under the name Hoody Baby, is additionally charged with assaulting Mr Diaw, occasioning him actual bodily harm.
Today’s hearing forms part of preparations for the trial, which is scheduled to take place in October.
Brown was granted bail in May after paying a £5 million security fee to begin his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour.
The singer was arrested at a Manchester hotel in May when he returned to Britain for the first time since the alleged incident two years ago.
The two-time Grammy Award winner, whose hits also include “Under the Influence”, had been out of the country since February 2023.
Today’s plea hearing continues the legal proceedings ahead of the October trial date at Southwark Crown Court.