Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty in a UK court to charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm during a 2023 nightclub incident. He remains on £5 million bail and is allowed to continue his international tour. His trial is set for October 2026.

American R&B singer Chris Brown on Friday pleaded not guilty in a UK court to a charge related to an alleged nightclub brawl in London in 2023.

The 36-year-old artist appeared in the dock at a London court, dressed in a dark suit, tie, and glasses. When the charge was read to him, he responded calmly: “Not guilty, ma’am.” The charge involves allegedly attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. After entering his plea, Brown waved to individuals seated in the public gallery before exiting the courtroom.

The court has scheduled a five to seven-day trial, set to begin on October 26, 2026.

Brown was arrested in May 2024 in the northwestern English city of Manchester and held in custody for nearly a week before being released on bail. The terms of his release include a £5 million ($6.7 million) bail guarantee, which he will forfeit if he fails to return for future court proceedings.

Despite the legal proceedings, the court granted him permission to continue his ongoing international tour, which began on June 8 in Amsterdam. He is currently on the UK leg of the tour, with his next performance slated for Saturday in London.

The charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred at a nightclub in Hanover Square, London, on February 19, 2023, during his tour in the UK. Prosecutors allege that the victim, Abraham Diah, was struck multiple times with a bottle, then chased, punched, and kicked. Brown is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the alleged assault.

In addition to the grievous bodily harm charge, Brown also faces a third count for possession of an offensive weapon — specifically, a bottle — in a public place.

Under the terms of his bail, Brown must reside at an address known to the court and surrender his passport unless he is traveling for approved tour dates. He is also prohibited from visiting the nightclub where the alleged assault occurred and from contacting the alleged victim.

Brown appeared in court alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a U.S. national, who is jointly charged with him. Akinlolu also pleaded not guilty to the same charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. Both men are further jointly charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They are expected to enter pleas on that particular charge at a court hearing on July 11.

Known for early 2000s hits such as “Kiss Kiss,” Chris Brown rose to fame from humble beginnings in a local church choir in Virginia, showcasing a soulful R&B voice before later incorporating rap into his music. Despite his musical success and accolades, including Grammy wins, his career has long been shadowed by high-profile legal issues and abuse allegations, most notably involving singer Rihanna.

Brown is expected to continue touring throughout the year, with upcoming performances scheduled in France, Portugal, and the United States. The tour is set to conclude in Memphis in mid-October.