U.S. singer Chris Brown attended a brief hearing at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Jan. 28 as he awaits trial later this year on charges tied to an alleged assault at a London nightclub in 2023. At the hearing Brown spoke only to confirm his name, entered the dock, and exchanged a handshake with his co-defendant.
The co-defendant, identified as Omololu Akinlolu, 39, also appeared in court and has denied the charges. Prosecutors allege the incident involved what they described as an "unprovoked attack" in which a bottle was used, and they have charged Brown with attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm along with the lesser offence of assault causing actual bodily harm. Brown has denied both charges.
After the short proceeding, around a dozen supporters who had been seated in the public gallery waved as Brown left the dock. The hearing was procedural; the pair’s trial has been scheduled to begin in October, and the court ordered that both men be released on bail pending further proceedings.
A further preliminary hearing in the matter is set for April. Brown had earlier been granted bail in May after paying 5 million pounds to allow him to embark on his "Breezy Bowl XX" tour, which concluded in October. The payment and bail were connected with his ability to resume touring activities. The article records the currency conversion used in reporting: $1 = 0.7256 pounds.
Authorities arrested the R&B star at a hotel in Manchester last year when he returned to Britain for the first time since the alleged incident. Brown, 36, is a two-time Grammy Award winner known for hits such as "Loyal", "Run It" and "Under the Influence".
Timeline of key procedural dates
- 2023 - Alleged incident at a London nightclub involving a bottle.
- May (previous year) - Brown was granted bail after paying 5 million pounds to start his Breezy Bowl XX tour, which ended in October.
- Jan. 28 - Brief court appearance at Southwark Crown Court; both defendants confirm identity and are granted bail.
- April - Further preliminary hearing scheduled.
- October - Trial date set to begin.