Grammy-winning R&B sensation Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to a serious assault charge stemming from an alleged violent altercation at a London nightclub in 2023.
Brown, dressed in a sharp dark suit, tie, and glasses, appeared composed as he stood in the dock at Southwark Crown Court in London on Friday morning, calmly responding “Not guilty, ma’am” when formally charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
According to AFP, the case revolves around a shocking incident that allegedly unfolded on February 19, 2023, at an upscale venue in Hanover Square, central London, during the UK leg of Brown’s tour. Prosecutors allege the 35-year-old singer struck the victim multiple times with a glass bottle, then chased, punched, and kicked them in a vicious assault.
Brown was dramatically arrested on May 13, 2024, at a luxury five-star hotel in Manchester, reportedly just hours after arriving via private jet. He was released later that month on an eye-watering £5 million ($6.7 million) bail, which he secured to continue his much-publicized “Breezy Bowl XX” tour.
Brown’s co-defendant, Omolulu Akinlolu, 38, also pleaded not guilty to the same charge during Friday’s court session. Both men were granted bail pending their next appearance on July 11, when the court may consider reducing the charge to assault causing actual bodily harm, a lesser but still serious offense.
Adding to the gravity of the case, Brown faces a separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon — the bottle allegedly used in the attack — though he was not asked to enter a plea on that count during this hearing.
The high-profile trial is set to commence on October 26, 2026, and is expected to draw global media attention, given Brown’s controversial history and enduring celebrity status.
A titan of the R&B genre, Chris Brown is best known for chart-topping hits such as “Run It,” “Loyal,” and “Under the Influence.” Despite previous legal troubles, he has maintained a loyal fan base and continues to perform to sold-out arenas worldwide.
As legal tensions mount, all eyes will remain on the unfolding drama both inside and outside the courtroom — a story that blurs the lines between celebrity and accountability.
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