By Latifah Muhammad
BET.com
Chris Brown won’t be copping a plea in the assault case brought on by his alleged violent encounter with a fan in Washington, D.C. late last year.
Brown, 24, appeared in a D.C. courtroom this afternoon, where he and bodyguard Chris Hollosy (also accused in the incident) rejected a deal to plead guilty to simple assault.
The “Fine China” singer currently faces a misdemeanor charge for allegedly hitting a 20-year-old man outside a W Hotel on October 27. Although he was originally arrested on a felony charge, the simple assault deal was refused because Breezy is innocent, one of his attorneys said after today’s hearing.
TMZ reports that the Grammy winner’s main lawyer, Mark Geragos, is holding out until prosecutors come through with a promise to produce video surveillance from the altercation. Geragos reportedly wants to view the footage before going forward with any kind of agreement.
Brown, who isn’t quite off the legal hook for attacking Rihanna in 2009, had his probation revoked (for a second time) last month over the fan fight. He is due back in a D.C. court on Feb. 20 and could serve up to 180 days behind bars along with a $1,000 fine if convicted.
Legal woes haven’t killed his spirit, though. Besides making strides in rehab to “emotionally regulate himself,” Brown recently hosted a charity toy drive and tweeted an inspiring message to fans yesterday. “Work hard to be the best and appreciate everyone on the way to the top!” he wrote. “Never forget who you are and who supported you to get there.”