American R&B star Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm following an alleged nightclub assault in London in February 2023.
The 36-year-old artist appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, dressed in a black suit, tie, and glasses. When the charges were read, he responded, “Not guilty, ma’am.”
Brown, who is currently out on £5 million (approximately $6.7 million) bail, was granted permission to continue his international tour, which began on June 8 in Amsterdam. While in court, he acknowledged the public gallery before leaving the courtroom.
The trial has been scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026, and is expected to last five to seven days. Brown was arrested in Manchester this past May and held for nearly a week before being released on bail. According to bail conditions, failure to attend the trial will result in forfeiting the £5 million bond.
Currently, Brown is continuing with his UK tour and is expected to perform in London this Saturday.
The singer is accused of attacking music producer Abraham Diah by striking him with a bottle, punching, and kicking him at a nightclub in Hanover Square on February 19, 2023, during his UK tour. He also faces a charge of carrying a dangerous weapon in public—namely, the bottle allegedly used in the assault.
Co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a fellow American artist known as “Hoody Baby,” also pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Both men are further charged with actual bodily harm and are scheduled to enter pleas for that charge on July 11.
The court has ordered Brown not to contact the alleged victim, not to visit the nightclub again, and to reside at a registered address. Except when touring, he must also surrender his passport.
Brown’s European and U.S. tour is set to continue, with final shows expected to conclude in mid-October in Memphis.
