R&B singer Chris Brown made a brief appearance Wednesday (Jan. 28) at Southwark Crown Court, as he prepares for a criminal trial later this year stemming from an alleged nightclub assault in London.
The 36-year-old singer faces one count of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and an alternative charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. Prosecutors allege the singer carried out an “unprovoked attack” on a music producer inside a London nightclub in 2023, striking the alleged victim with a bottle. Brown has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the short hearing, Brown spoke only to confirm his name. He offered no further comment to the court. His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, 39, also appeared and has similarly denied the charges. The two briefly shook hands upon entering the dock before standing together throughout the proceeding.
A small group of supporters observed from the public gallery. Court officials confirmed that the matter remains scheduled for trial in October. The judge granted both defendants continued bail and set a further preliminary hearing for April to address procedural issues.
Chris Brown’s London Trial Has Pre-Trial Hearing Today
Brown was previously granted bail in May after posting £5 million, approximately $6.9 million. The court-approved arrangement allowed him to proceed with his Breezy Bowl XX international tour, which concluded in October. Prosecutors did not oppose the bail application at the time, provided the financial conditions were met.
The singer was arrested last year at a hotel in Manchester, shortly after returning to the United Kingdom for the first time since the alleged incident. Authorities have not publicly identified the complainant, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
Brown, a two-time Grammy Award winner, is best known for hits including “Run It,” “Loyal,” and “Under the Influence.” While he remains a commercially successful recording artist, the London case represents one of his most significant legal challenges in recent years.
The upcoming trial is expected to include witness testimony and forensic evidence. Legal observers note that a conviction could carry serious consequences, including potential custodial exposure and restrictions on international travel.
For now, Brown remains free on bail as the case moves toward trial.
Leave a Reply