American R&B superstar Chris Brown has formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) in connection with an alleged bottle attack at a high-profile London nightclub in 2023.
The incident, which took place at Tape London in the early hours of February 19, 2023, left one man hospitalized with severe injuries. Brown, 35, was in the UK capital at the time for a scheduled performance as part of his Under the Influence tour.
Brown appeared at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning, where his lawyers entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf. The courtroom was packed with reporters and members of the public, as security remained tight outside.
Prosecutors allege that Brown became embroiled in an altercation inside the VIP section of Tape nightclub, during which he allegedly struck a man with a glass bottle and attempted to inflict further harm.
“This is a serious charge involving violence that resulted in significant injury,” said Crown Prosecutor Emily Worsley. “The evidence includes eyewitness testimony and CCTV footage.”
Brown’s legal team has denied all wrongdoing, insisting the singer was not involved in any violent incident that night.
“Mr. Brown maintains his innocence and is fully prepared to defend himself in court,” said defense attorney Julian Forsythe. “He is confident that once all the facts are presented, the truth will emerge.”
The judge granted Brown conditional bail and scheduled a pre-trial hearing for August 22, 2025, with the full trial expected to begin before the end of the year.
Though Chris Brown has enjoyed a successful music career with multiple Grammy nominations and global chart-toppers, his legal history continues to cast a shadow. He previously pleaded guilty to felony assault in 2009 involving then-girlfriend Rihanna and has faced numerous legal issues over the years, including probation violations and civil lawsuits.
This latest case marks the first time Brown has been formally charged with a violent offense in the UK.
The case has drawn international attention, with fans, critics, and legal analysts weighing in on the possible impact on Brown’s career. His UK tour has already concluded, but future travel to Britain may be restricted pending the outcome of the case.
If convicted, Brown could face up to 10 years in prison under UK law, although legal experts suggest a lesser sentence is more likely given the absence of a weapon and whether provocation is proven.
For now, Chris Brown remains free but the legal spotlight remains firmly on him as one of pop music’s most controversial figures prepares for a courtroom battle.
