LONDON, UK – Grammy-winning recording artist Chris Brown, 36, and fellow musician Omololu Akinlolu, 39, professionally known as “Hoody Baby,” entered not guilty pleas on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Southwark Crown Court in London. The pleas relate to charges stemming from an alleged assault incident that occurred in the upscale Mayfair district in February 2023.
Brown pleaded not guilty to one count of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent. Both Brown and Akinlolu jointly pleaded not guilty to this same charge. Additionally, both defendants face a charge of causing actual bodily harm, to which they also entered not guilty pleas. Brown faces a separate, third count related to the alleged incident: possessing an offensive weapon, identified by prosecutors as the bottle purportedly used in the attack.
Allegations Stemming from Mayfair Nightclub Incident
The charges arise from an alleged confrontation at Tape nightclub, a venue located within London’s affluent Mayfair area. Prosecutors allege the incident, which reportedly took place in February 2023, involved an “unprovoked bottle attack,” followed by punches and kicks. The alleged victim is identified as music producer Abraham Diaw.
Surveillance video footage of the alleged assault is said to exist and is expected to form a key part of the prosecution’s case. The precise nature of the alleged actions and their severity are central to the distinction between the charges of causing actual bodily harm and the more serious count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
Grievous bodily harm, or GBH, is a term used in English law to describe very serious harm, while actual bodily harm (ABH) refers to assault occasioning injury that is less serious but still requires treatment or causes pain and discomfort. The added element of “intent” in the GBH charge requires the prosecution to prove the defendants specifically intended to cause serious injury.
Court Appearance and Future Proceedings
Brown and Akinlolu appeared before Southwark Crown Court for the plea hearing. Their not guilty pleas indicate their intention to contest the charges brought against them by the Crown Prosecution Service.
For Chris Brown, this legal challenge comes amid his ongoing career commitments. He was released on bail last month, specifically in May 2025, on a substantial bond of £5 million, equivalent to approximately $6.75 million USD. The court granted bail under conditions that allowed him to continue with his scheduled world tour obligations, demonstrating the court’s consideration of his professional standing and the financial sureties provided.
Securing bail at this significant amount underscores the seriousness with which the court views the allegations, while simultaneously permitting Brown to maintain his touring schedule ahead of a potential trial.
The Road to Trial
Following the not guilty pleas entered on June 20, 2025, the court has set a date for the full trial. The proceedings are scheduled to commence in October 2026. A trial date set more than a year in advance is not uncommon for complex cases involving multiple defendants or those requiring extensive preparation, including the review of evidence like surveillance footage and witness testimonies.
The intervening period will likely involve further legal exchanges between the prosecution and the defense teams, including the disclosure of evidence and potential pre-trial hearings to resolve preliminary matters.
Both Chris Brown and Omololu Akinlolu maintain their innocence against all charges. The trial in October 2026 will see the prosecution present its evidence to a jury, or potentially a judge in certain circumstances, who will then determine whether the defendants are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Until then, both musicians remain on bail under conditions set by the court, with the serious allegations casting a shadow over their professional activities.
The case highlights the legal ramifications that can arise from incidents occurring within late-night venues, particularly involving high-profile individuals. The long lead time to trial also demonstrates the significant queue of cases within the British legal system. The outcome of the October 2026 trial will be closely watched by fans, the music industry, and legal observers.
