Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to UK Club Assault, Trial Set for 2026

American R&B singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm during an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.

The 36-year-old appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Friday, facing accusations of launching an “unprovoked attack” on music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle at Tape nightclub.

Brown, who spoke only to confirm his identity and enter a plea, said clearly: “Not guilty, ma’am,” when asked about the charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.

His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, 38, also pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

Both men were granted bail and are expected to return to court on July 11, when they may face a lesser charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. Brown is also facing a separate charge for possessing an offensive weapon, namely the bottle, but was not asked to enter a plea on that count during Friday’s hearing.

As Brown exited the dock following the brief session, supporters in the courtroom gallery were heard shouting, “We love you, Chris.”

The trial is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.

Brown, a two-time Grammy Award winner, is known for hits such as “Loyal,” “Run It,” and “Under the Influence.” He was arrested in Manchester last month upon returning to the UK for the first time since the alleged assault.

He had previously been granted bail in May after agreeing to post a £5 million ($6.7 million) security to continue with his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour.