American R&B artist Chris Brown has officially pleaded not guilty to additional criminal charges stemming from a nightclub altercation in London that occurred in February 2023. The plea was entered on Friday, July 12, at Southwark Crown Court, where fans of the singer crowded the courtroom to show support.
The 35-year-old performer faces allegations of assault causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon — identified as a bottle — in a public setting. These charges are part of a broader investigation into a violent incident that took place at Tape, a high-end private members’ club in Hanover Square, London, during his UK tour.
Brown Acknowledges Fans in Courtroom as Pleas Are Entered
At the conclusion of the hearing, Brown turned to acknowledge the public gallery, where supporters had gathered, waving and blowing kisses. One fan shouted, “I love you Chris!” as he exited the courtroom.
He appeared in the dock alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a 39-year-old American national. Both men face the same actual bodily harm charge. Akinlolu also denied the attempted grievous bodily harm with intent charge previously filed against him.
At a prior court appearance, Brown also pleaded not guilty to the most serious charge: attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent, in relation to the same incident.
Bail Set at £5 Million as Trial Date Confirmed
Brown remains free on £5 million ($6.7 million USD) bail, granted after he spent nearly a week in custody in May 2025. Authorities arrested him at a luxury hotel in Manchester, shortly after he flew into the UK aboard a private jet.
Presiding Judge Tony Baumgartner has granted Brown permission to continue his international music tour, which launched on June 8 in Amsterdam, under the condition that he returns for all future court appearances. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the multi-million-pound bail.
Incident Timeline and Allegations
The charges arise from an alleged confrontation that occurred on the night of February 19, 2023, at Tape nightclub. According to prosecutors, the victim was repeatedly struck with a bottle, then chased, punched, and kicked during the assault.
The alleged violent attack happened while Brown was performing a series of shows across the United Kingdom.
Trial Scheduled for 2026
The court has set October 2026 as the tentative trial date for Brown and Akinlolu. Both men will be tried together.
The case has drawn widespread media attention due to Brown’s global fame and his past run-ins with the law, most notably the 2009 domestic violence case involving singer Rihanna. Despite previous legal troubles, Brown remains one of the most prominent figures in contemporary R&B.
His current legal battle poses a significant challenge as he attempts to maintain his career momentum during a major international tour.
