LONDON — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty on Friday to affray in connection with a violent altercation at a London nightclub in 2023, admitting his role in a fight that left a music producer injured.
Brown, 37, changed his plea during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court after previously denying the allegations.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the more serious charges of assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon—a bottle.
Brown’s friend and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded guilty to affray. The pair had been scheduled to stand trial in October.
The charges stem from an incident at Tape nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair district on February 19, 2023, where prosecutors alleged Brown struck music producer Abraham Diaw over the head with a bottle during what they described as a “vicious and unprovoked” attack.
According to prosecutors, surveillance footage captured the confrontation inside the crowded nightclub.
Following the guilty pleas, Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Campbell said the violence was “entirely unacceptable” and stressed that no one is above the law.
Brown left the United Kingdom after the incident but was arrested in Manchester in May 2025 after returning to the country ahead of a concert tour.
He was granted bail set at £5 million, allowing him to continue touring Europe and North America. Following Friday’s court appearance, Brown was again released on bail.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26. The affray offence carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
