Chris Brown pleads guilty to affray over 2023 London nightclub fight

Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty on Friday to an affray charge stemming from a February 2023 fight at the Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district. The incident, captured on surveillance video, involved Brown striking music producer Abraham Diaw on the head with a bottle. In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors dropped more serious charges of assault, attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Brown’s friend and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, also entered a guilty plea to the same charge. Both men had been scheduled for trial in October. The Crown Prosecution Service described the incident as “unlawful violence” that would cause a reasonable person present to fear for their safety.

"This kind of violence is entirely unacceptable, and the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly — with the police and partners across the criminal justice system — to pursue cases like this, and prove that no one is above the law," said senior prosecutor Claire Campbell.

After leaving the United Kingdom, Brown was detained in May 2025 at a Manchester hotel while preparing for a tour. He was released on a £5 million bail and will be sentenced on Oct. 26; the affray offence carries a maximum three-year prison term. Brown, dressed in a tan suit, gold-rimmed sunglasses and a baseball cap, signed autographs for fans as he exited the Southwark Crown Court.