Chris Brown back in UK court

American R&B star Chris Brown, has appeared before a London court as proceedings continue ahead of his assault trial scheduled for October.

The 36-year-old singer attended a brief hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, where he spoke only to confirm his name. Brown is facing charges linked to the alleged attack of a music producer at a London nightclub in 2023.

Prosecutors have described the incident as an “unprovoked attack,” alleging Chris used a bottle during the confrontation. The singer has denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, as well as a lesser charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Chris entered the dock alongside his co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, 39, who has also pleaded not guilty. The two men were seen shaking hands, while about a dozen supporters watched from the public gallery and waved as Chris Brown exited the courtroom.

Both defendants were granted bail ahead of another preliminary hearing set for April, with the full trial expected to begin in October.

A two-time Grammy Award winner known for hits including Run It, Loyal and Under the Influence, Chris was granted bail in May after paying £5 million, allowing him to proceed with his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour, which wrapped up in October.

The singer was arrested at a Manchester hotel last year after returning to the UK for the first time since the alleged incident.