US rapper Chris Brown (C) leaves Southwark Crown Court in London, June 20, 2025, after pleading not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent during an alleged London nightclub brawl in 2023. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP)
American R&B star Chris Brown appeared in a UK court on Friday, where he entered a not guilty plea in connection to a charge linked to an alleged nightclub altercation in London in 2023.
Dressed in a dark suit, tie, and glasses, the 36-year-old stood in the dock as the charge was read out. Brown responded: “Not guilty, ma’am.” Upon exiting, he acknowledged supporters in the public gallery with a wave.
He faces an accusation of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and a trial lasting five to seven days is set to begin on October 26, 2026.
Brown had previously been detained in Manchester in May and held for nearly a week before being released on £5 million ($6.7 million) bail. Under the conditions of his bail, the amount would be forfeited if he fails to attend further court proceedings.
Despite the charges, Brown has been allowed to continue his global tour, which began in Amsterdam on June 8. His next scheduled performance in the UK is Saturday in London.
The charges stem from an alleged attack that took place on February 19, 2023, at a nightclub in Hanover Square, London. During the incident, the victim was allegedly hit multiple times with a bottle, then chased, punched, and kicked.
Authorities arrested Brown on May 13, early in the morning, at a luxury hotel in Manchester after he flew in by private jet.
Additional bail conditions require Brown to reside at an approved address, refrain from visiting the nightclub where the incident reportedly occurred, avoid any contact with the alleged victim Abraham Diah, and surrender his passport unless he is traveling.
Brown appeared alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a fellow U.S. citizen. Both are jointly accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, to which Akinlolu also entered a not guilty plea.
They are also facing an additional joint charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with pleas for that count expected on July 11. Furthermore, Brown faces a third individual charge of possessing an offensive weapon — specifically, a bottle — in a public setting.
Known for early hits like “Kiss Kiss”, the Grammy Award-winning artist first gained recognition through his performances in a Virginia church choir. Although he achieved fame with his smooth R&B and crossover rap appeal, his public image has been marred by multiple controversies, including a highly publicized past relationship with singer Rihanna.
The ongoing tour is also expected to include stops in France, Portugal, and the United States, concluding in Memphis in mid-October.
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