LONDON (BN24) — American R&B artist Chris Brown pleaded not guilty Friday to a charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm on a music producer during an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.
Appearing before Southwark Crown Court, Brown, 36, was formally accused of carrying out what prosecutors described as an “unprovoked attack” using a tequila bottle against music producer Abraham Diaw. The alleged assault took place at a London club during Brown’s previous visit to the United Kingdom.
Brown, dressed in dark formal attire, quietly confirmed his name and date of birth before responding to the charge with a calm: “Not guilty, ma’am.” His co-defendant, 38-year-old Omololu Akinlolu, entered the same plea.
The Grammy-winning performer did not enter a plea on a separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon — the bottle allegedly used in the incident. That charge is expected to be addressed at a later date.
Judge Christopher Hehir allowed both defendants to remain free on bail until their next scheduled court appearance on July 11. At that hearing, they may be asked to respond to a reduced charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Brown’s legal team previously secured bail in May after the singer agreed to post a £5 million ($6.7 million) security bond to continue his “Breezy Bowl XX” concert tour across Europe. The singer was arrested last month at a hotel in Manchester — his first return to the UK since the nightclub incident.
Supporters filled the courtroom gallery during the brief hearing, some shouting “We love you, Chris” as the pop star exited the dock.
Brown, best known for hits like Run It, Loyal, and Under the Influence, has faced multiple legal controversies over the years. The upcoming trial is set to begin on October 26, 2026, and could last several weeks.
Prosecutors have yet to disclose full evidence to the public but have characterized the assault as violent and unprovoked. Neither Brown nor his legal representatives have made further public comments on the case.
