Why was Chris Brown put in UK jail?

Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Friday to attacking a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub two years ago.

He was sent to jail after being arrested on May 15, 2025, in Manchester, England, due to a 2023 warrant for a grievous bodily harm charge related to an incident at a London nightclub where he allegedly assaulted music producer Abraham Diaw with a bottle.

The US singer was released from jail on May 21, 2025, after posting a £5 million ($6.75 million) bond

Brown is charged with attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm in what prosecutors said was an "unprovoked attack" with a tequila bottle on Abraham Diaw in a London nightclub in 2023.

The 36-year-old appeared at London's Southwark Crown Court, where supporters filled the public gallery ahead of the hearing.

Brown spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and to deny the charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, telling the court clerk: "Not guilty, ma'am."

His co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 38, also pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The pair were granted bail until their next court appearance on July 11, when they may be asked to enter a plea to a less serious charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Brown is also charged with having an offensive weapon, namely a bottle, but was not asked to enter a plea on Friday.

Their trial is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.

Supporters said "We love you, Chris" as Brown left the dock after the brief hearing.