Chris Brown pleads guilty to affray over 2023 London nightclub brawl

Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown changed his plea at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, admitting guilt to a count of affray for a February 2023 fight at the Tape nightclub in Mayfair. The incident, captured on surveillance video, showed Brown striking music producer Abraham Diaw on the head with a glass bottle, while his friend and vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu also punched the victim.

Prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including assault and possession of an offensive weapon, in exchange for the guilty plea. Senior Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor Claire Campbell described the episode as a "vicious and unprovoked attack" and emphasized that such violence would not be tolerated.

Brown, who left the United Kingdom after the brawl, was arrested in May 2025 upon returning to Manchester for a concert. He was released on a £5 million bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26, facing a maximum three-year term.

The singer, 37, appeared in court in a tan suit, gold-rimmed sunglasses and a baseball cap, signing autographs for fans as he departed.