American R&B artist Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and weapon possession linked to an alleged nightclub attack in London dating back to 2023.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, the 36-year-old singer denied causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon—reportedly a bottle—in connection with an incident involving music producer Abraham Diaw. Prosecutors claim the confrontation was an “unprovoked attack.”
Last month, Brown also rejected a more serious charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
His co-accused, Omololu Akinlolu, 38, entered not guilty pleas to the same assault charge after previously denying an attempted grievous harm accusation.
The trial is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.
Roughly 20 supporters attended the brief hearing, with a few voicing support as Brown exited the courtroom. The Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like Run It, Loyal, and Under the Influence, had been granted bail in May after posting a £5 million (approx. Sh874 million) security, allowing him to proceed with his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour.
Brown was arrested in Manchester upon returning to the UK earlier this year—the first time since the alleged altercation.
