Grammy-winning R&B artist Chris Brown has entered a not guilty plea regarding an accusation stemming from an alleged assault on a music producer at a London nightclub in 2023.

The “Kiss Kiss” singer, 36, attended his arraignment at LondonS Southwark Crown Court on Friday, where he denied one count of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He responded, “Not guilty ma’am,” when asked for his plea.

Prosecutors allege that Brown attacked music producer Amadou “Abe” Diaw with a tequila bottle at Tape London in February 2023. These accusations mirror claims in a civil lawsuit Diaw filed in Los Angeles against the musician in October 2023. Diaw’s lawsuit alleges assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, asserting that the singer “brutally assaulted” him by “beating him over the head” and “continued to ruthlessly stomp” on him while he was unconscious after the bottle attack.

London police arrested Brown in May on suspicion of bodily harm. Later, prosecutors added charges for assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon (the bottle), though Brown did not enter pleas for these additional counts and is scheduled to return to court in July.

The “Under the influence” artist was released from police custody in mid-May after posting $6.7 million bail. His arrest initially threatened his Breezy Bowl tour, which commenced on June 8 in Amsterdam. Following his release, Brown posted an Instagram story informing fans he was going from “cage to stage.”

the singer’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026. A representative for Brown has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Musician Omololu Akinlolu (also known as HoodyBaby), 39, a freind of Brown, was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm for his alleged involvement in the 2023 incident and pleaded not guilty during Friday’s hearing.

the Associated Press contributed to this report.