Chris Brown pleads not guilty in UK court to grievous bodily harm charge linked to 2023 nightclub brawl, with trial scheduled for October 2026
Chris Brown denies UK assault as the American R\&B star appeared in a London courtroom on Friday to plead not guilty to a serious charge stemming from a 2023 nightclub brawl in the city’s Hanover Square.
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The 36-year-old singer, dressed in a dark suit and glasses, stood in the dock and clearly stated his plea: “Not guilty, ma’am,” in response to the charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He briefly waved to supporters in the public gallery before departing the courtroom.
The case relates to an incident on February 19, 2023, while Brown was in London on tour. Authorities allege the Grammy-winning artist was involved in an altercation in which the victim was struck with a bottle and then pursued, punched, and kicked.
Brown was later detained at a Manchester hotel on May 13, 2025, after reportedly arriving by private jet. He was held in custody for nearly a week before being released on £5 million bail.
His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, a US national, appeared alongside him and also entered a not guilty plea to the same grievous bodily harm charge.
Both men are jointly charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, for which they are expected to enter pleas on July 11. Brown also faces an additional charge of possessing an offensive weapon—specifically, a bottle—during the alleged altercation.
The judge confirmed that a five to seven-day trial would begin on October 26, 2026. In the meantime, Brown must comply with strict bail conditions.
These include surrendering his passport unless travelling for his international tour, residing at a court-approved address, avoiding the scene of the alleged assault, and refraining from any contact with the alleged victim, Abraham Diah.
Despite the legal proceedings, Brown has been granted permission to continue his “11:11” international tour, which launched on June 8 in Amsterdam.
The UK leg includes a performance in London on Saturday, followed by scheduled stops in France, Portugal and the United States before the tour concludes in Memphis later in the year.
Brown’s career has included hit singles such as Kiss Kiss, and he remains one of the most recognisable figures in R\&B and pop.
However, his public image has long been shadowed by past controversies, including a highly publicised 2009 assault case involving singer Rihanna.
The outcome of the current case could once again influence public and legal perception of the artist, as he faces a serious charge that carries significant penalties if proven.
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Until then, Chris Brown continues to perform under close scrutiny, with his next court date set for mid-July.
