US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to assault charge in UK court

US singer Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Friday to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm following an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.

US singer Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Friday to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm following an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court, the Grammy-winning artist denied accusations that he attempted to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Abraham Diaw at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, London, on February 19, 2023. Brown confirmed his name and date of birth before entering his plea, saying: “Not guilty ma’am” during the hearing at Southwark Crown Court, according to PA Media news agency. His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, a US national who turned 39 on the day of the hearing, denied the same charge. The pair are further charged with assaulting Diaw occasioning him actual bodily harm. Brown also faces one count of having an offensive weapon – a bottle – in a public place. They were not asked to enter pleas on those counts, with a further court hearing set for July 11. Approximately 20 spectators – many reportedly fans of the R&B singer – sat in the public gallery behind the dock for Friday’s hearing, according to PA Media. The 36-year-old has continued performing on his international tour while on conditional bail. He took to the stage in Cardiff on Thursday evening, just hours before the court appearance.