LONDON, England — Chris Brown, the American R&B singer, has entered a not guilty plea in a UK court regarding two charges tied to an alleged nightclub incident that occurred two years ago. The 36-year-old performer faces accusations of assaulting a music producer with a tequila bottle at Tape nightclub in Soho on February 19, 2023.

Prosecutors describe the attack as “unprovoked,” emphasizing the severity of the allegations against Brown. In addition to the charges of actual bodily harm, he faces a count of possessing an offensive weapon, directly linked to the beverage container. These charges join an existing serious allegation of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, to which Brown has previously pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for October 2026.

During a recent plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court, Brown appeared in a brown suit and dark-rimmed glasses. He acknowledged his supporters—about 20 fans—who gathered in the public gallery, with some expressing their admiration as he departed.

The incident that led to these charges reportedly unfolded when Abraham Diaw, the alleged victim, was at the bar when Brown struck him multiple times with the bottle. Following the encounter, the singer was arrested at the Lowry Hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, while he was in the country preparing for a European tour.

Initially held for nearly a week, Brown was released after agreeing to a £5 million security deposit to ensure his return to court. This arrangement acts as a financial guarantee, allowing him to remain free but subjecting him to several conditions. Among these is a requirement to reside in the UK during the legal proceedings while surrendering his passport to law enforcement.

However, an agreement has been struck that allows Brown to reclaim his passport temporarily for his Breezy Bowl XX tour dates. His European tour kicked off on June 8 in Amsterdam and features a series of concert dates across the UK and Europe, concluding in Paris last weekend. The North American leg is set to commence later this month.

With a notable career filled with accolades, including two Grammy Awards and 19 top-10 singles in the UK, Brown remains a prominent figure in the music industry. His hits range from “Turn Up The Music” to “Freaky Friday.” He has also drawn attention for a past history of legal troubles.

Co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, who performs as HoodyBaby, has also pleaded not guilty related to the incident, maintaining his innocence regarding the charges of both actual bodily harm and attempted grievous bodily harm. As the case develops, the spotlight continues to be on both men as they approach their upcoming trial.