Singer Chris Brown in UK court in nightclub assault case
Brown last month denied a more serious charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm in what prosecutors said was an 'unprovoked attack' on Abraham Diaw in a London nightclub in 2023.
The 36-year-old appeared in London's Southwark crown court on Friday, where he spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas of not guilty to causing actual bodily harm and a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Brown's co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 38, also pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing actual bodily harm, having previously denied attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.
The pair's trial is due to begin on October 26 2026.
About 20 supporters sat in the public gallery behind the dock during Friday's short hearing, with two saying 'we love you, Chris' as he left the court.
The R&B star, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for hits such as Loyal, Run It and Under the Influence, was granted bail in May after paying a £5m (R120.74m) security fee to begin his 'Breezy Bowl XX' tour.
Brown was arrested at a hotel in Manchester, northern England, in May after returning to Britain for the first time since the incident two years ago.
Reuters

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- TimesLIVE
White House plans increase in law enforcement as Trump eyes DC takeover
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may use the National Guard to police the streets of Washington, D.C., and a White House official said federal law enforcement would increase its presence in the city this week. The threat — and the move to follow through on it — is the latest step by Trump and his administration towards taking over running the city that serves as the seat of the US government. 'We have a capital that's very unsafe,' Trump told reporters at the White House. 'We have to run D.C. This has to be the best-run place in the country.' A White House official told Reuters that operational details about the increased federal presence were still being finalised. CNN reported that officers from the FBI, National Guard and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as agents from the department of homeland security would be involved starting on Thursday. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the city had been 'plagued by petty and violent crime for far too long' and Trump was committed to making it safe. Trump, who has threatened a federal takeover of the city multiple times, escalated those threats after a young staffer who was part of Elon Musk's department of government efficiency was assaulted over the weekend. Musk, the billionaire former adviser to Trump who once spearheaded the DOGE effort, said the man was beaten and received a concussion. 'It is time to federalise DC,' he wrote. Asked if he was considering taking over the D.C. police, Trump responded affirmatively. 'We just almost lost a young man, beautiful handsome guy that got the hell knocked out of him,' Trump said. The president posted a picture of the victim, Edward Coristine, known by the nickname 'Big Balls', on social media, with blood on his face, arms, torso and legs. 'We're going to beautify the city. We're going to make it beautiful. And what a shame, the rate of crime, the rate of muggings, killings and everything else. We're not going to let it. And that includes bringing in the National Guard, maybe very quickly, too,' Trump said. A spokesperson for D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser declined to comment. Violent crime in the first seven months of 2025 was down by 26% in D.C. compared to last year while overall crime was down about 7%, according to records on the police department's website. Overall crime was down 15% in 2024, compared to 2023. Trump has long complained about crime in the city. He signed an executive order in March aimed at increasing law enforcement in Washington. The District of Columbia was established in 1790 with land from neighbouring Virginia and Maryland. Congress has control of its budget, but resident voters elect a mayor and city council, under a law known as the Home Rule Act. For Trump to take over the city, Congress likely would have to pass a law revoking that act, which Trump would have to sign. The president said on Wednesday that lawyers were already looking at overturning the Home Rule Act.

IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
From Joe Thomas to DJ Zinhle: enjoy these top musical events in Joburg this Women's Day
Joe Thomas will perform in Joburg on Women's Day. Fans of the Grammy Award-winning American artists can expect to be entertained by some of the biggest hits from their expansive discographies, which span decades. Two musical superstars, Anthony Hamilton and Joe Thomas , are set to serenade Joburgers this Women's Day. When: Saturday, August 9, from 12pm. Where: The DP World Wanderers Stadium in Sandton. In addition, South African musical legends Zonke, Sjava and Vusi Nova will also take to the stage as the opening acts. Zee Nation Women's Day Fest by DJ Zinhle DJ Zinhle's renowned 'Zee Nation Fest' is making its return this weekend. Hosted by the legendary musician, the gathering seeks to be a celebration of womanhood. Apart from the 'Umlilo' hitmaker, other artists who will take to the stage include her husband, Mörda. They will be joined by Mawhoo, Lady Du, Thabsie, Nomfundo Moh, Oskido, Pearl Thusi, Blaq Diamond, Kamo Mphela and Nadia Nakai. Meanwhile, Moozlie, Somizi and Alphi will be the MCs. Where: The Johannesburg Expo Centre. When: Saturday, August 9, from 2.30pm. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra presents the Early Spring Symphony Season The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is returning with the Early Spring Symphony Season for 2025. This time, both local and international talent will deliver a fresh repertoire of the most enchanting classical music compositions every week for the rest of August. Where: The Linder Auditorium at Wits University. When: Runs until August 28, every Thursday from 7.30pm.

IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Catch gospel powerhouse CeCe Winans live in South Africa with Ntokozo Mbambo, HLE and Xola Toto
Gospel artist CeCe Winans brings her 'More Than This' world tour to South Africa. Image: Supplied Grammy Award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans will be performing in South Africa later this month as part of her 'More Than This' world tour, with shows scheduled in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The 15-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist has a career spanning decades. She is touring in support of her recent album of the same title. The tour marks one of her most extensive international engagements to date. Four shows are planned across two cities: Johannesburg's Rhema Bible Church on August 19 and 20, and Cape Town's Grand Arena at GrandWest on August 22 and 23. 'Africa, I'm coming your way! This tour is more than a concert - it's a divine invitation to worship, reminding us of the unshakable hope and love that unite us all,' said Winans. 'These nights are going to be unforgettable - bring your family, your friends, and your praise. I can't wait to worship with you and lift the name of Jesus together,' she concluded. The South African leg of the tour will feature some of the talented local gospel artists. Award-winning gospel songstress, Ntokozo Mbambo, 'Liyinqaba' singer, HLE and emerging artist Xola Toto are set to perform alongside Winans, bringing a mix of established talent and locally flavoured voices to the stage. Ntokozo Mbambo, HLE, and Xola Toto will be adding the Mzansi flavour during CeCe Winans' 'More Than This' world tour. Image: Supplied