Chris Brown has won a significant legal reprieve after a civil lawsuit accusing him of assault at a London nightclub was formally dismissed. The development comes as the U.S. singer continues to face ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.
Civil Case Dropped with Prejudice
On June 27, music producer Abe Diaw filed court documents in the Los Angeles County courts asking a judge to dismiss the suit with prejudice. Such dismissals prevent the case from being refiled, typically indicating a settlement reached between both sides. Diaw’s complaint had alleged that Brown struck him multiple times with a bottle and “ruthlessly stomped” on him after he lost consciousness.
Sources say the specific terms of any settlement remain private. Representatives for Brown and Diaw have not provided a public comment on the agreement.
Still Facing Criminal Case in the UK
Despite the dismissal of the civil action, Brown has not cleared his name completely. He is still facing criminal charges in the UK, including accusations of grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was arrested on May 15, 2025 at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel after arriving for the start of his Breezy Bowl XX tour. Initially denied bail, he was later released after posting £5 million ($6.7 million) and allowed to resume touring .
At a Southwark Crown Court hearing on June 20, Brown entered a plea of not guilty. His next criminal trial is scheduled for October 26, 2026, according to court filings.
Context of the Allegations
The alleged incident occurred on February 19, 2023 at TAPE nightclub in London’s Mayfair neighborhood. Diaw claims that Brown attacked him unprovoked, hitting him repeatedly with a Don Julio 1942 tequila bottle and then kicking and stomping him while he lay unconscious.
Video footage and eyewitness testimony reportedly fueled the charges filed by UK prosecutors. Brown’s bail hearing in May centered on the “extremely serious” nature of the charges .
What This Means for Brown
The civil suit’s dismissal now clears the way for Brown to concentrate fully on defending against criminal allegations. Dismissing the lawsuit “with prejudice” signals that a settlement likely took place, but does not imply any admission of guilt.
However, the criminal charges remain pending, and a conviction could carry a prison sentence of two to sixteen years.
Throughout his legal struggles, Brown has continued his Breezy Bowl XX tour across Europe, which began on June 8 in Amsterdam and runs through Europe before heading to North America.
This incident adds to a lengthy history of legal challenges for Brown. His past includes a 2009 felony assault conviction involving Rihanna, disputes with multiple other artists, and a 2024 defamation suit tied to a documentary.