US singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged nightclub attack in London two years ago. The 36-year-old artist is accused of assaulting music producer Abraham Diaw with a bottle, causing actual bodily harm during what prosecutors described as an “unprovoked attack” in 2023.
Brown had earlier denied a more serious charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, he confirmed his name and entered not guilty pleas to both causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Brown’s co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, 38, also pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing actual bodily harm, having already denied the attempted grievous bodily harm allegation.
The trial for both men is scheduled to commence on 26 October 2026.
During Friday’s brief hearing, around 20 supporters gathered in the public gallery, with two shouting “we love you, Chris” as the R&B star exited the courtroom.
Brown, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for hits like Loyal, Run It, and Under the Influence, was granted bail in May after posting a £5 million ($6.7 million) security fee to continue his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour.
He was arrested at a Manchester hotel upon returning to the UK for the first time since the alleged assault.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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