Chris Brown pleads not guilty to lesser assault charge in UK court

Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Brown was in a UK court this past Friday, where he entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. The accusation stems from an alleged incident two years ago at a London nightclub, where he is accused of attacking a music producer with a bottle.

This appearance follows Brown's denial last month of a more severe charge related to the same event: attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm. Prosecutors have described the alleged 2023 incident involving music producer Abraham Diaw as an "unprovoked attack."

Appearing at London’s Southwark Crown Court, the 36-year-old singer confirmed his identity and formally entered his not guilty pleas. In addition to the assault charge, he also pleaded not guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Brown's co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, aged 38, also entered a not guilty plea to the charge of causing actual bodily harm. Akinlolu had similarly denied the earlier, more serious charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The legal proceedings are now set to move towards a trial, which is scheduled to commence on October 26, 2026.

During Friday's relatively brief hearing, approximately 20 supporters were present in the public gallery. As Brown exited the courtroom, two individuals reportedly called out "we love you, Chris."

Earlier this year, in May, the R&B star was granted bail. This decision came after he paid a significant 5 million-pound (equivalent to about $6.7 million) security fee, allowing him to proceed with his "Breezy Bowl XX" tour commitments.

Brown's return to Britain in May marked his first visit since the alleged incident two years prior. He was reportedly arrested at a hotel in Manchester upon his arrival back in the country.