Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge in UK Nightclub Case

American R&B artist Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm following an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.

The 36-year-old singer appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, where he denied accusations that he assaulted a man with a bottle at Tape nightclub in central London during a night out in February 2023.

Also charged in the incident is Omololu Akinlolu, known as Hoody Baby, who faces the same count. The two are accused of attacking the victim and causing serious injury.

While Brown entered a not guilty plea to the grievous bodily harm charge, both defendants are also facing further charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. Pleas for those additional charges are expected at a later hearing.

The judge scheduled the next court appearance for July 11, 2025. A full trial has been set for October 26, 2026, and is expected to last between five and seven days.

Brown was arrested in Manchester in May after arriving in the UK for his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour. He was released on bail, reportedly set at £5 million.

Despite the legal proceedings, Brown has continued touring, with recent performances in Cardiff and more shows planned across Ireland, Scotland, and mainland Europe. He is also scheduled to resume his North American tour later this summer.

The singer, who has faced previous legal controversies, maintains his innocence in the current case.