US singer Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to a charge of affray in connection with an altercation at a London nightclub in February 2023. The 37-year-old, along with his co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, admitted to the lesser charge during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on July 24, 2026. Prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm, in exchange for the guilty plea. Both men will be sentenced on October 26, 2026.
The incident involved an alleged unprovoked attack on music producer Abraham Diaw at the Tape nightclub in London. Prosecutors described the attack as 'vicious' and involving a tequila bottle. Brown and Akinlolu had initially denied the more serious charges and were set to stand trial in October 2026 before changing their pleas.
Brown was arrested in May 2025 upon returning to the UK and was initially denied bail, which threatened his worldwide Breezy Bowl XX tour. He was later released after posting a £5 million security fee. Outside the court, fans cheered and chanted his nickname, 'Breezy,' as he left the building.
The maximum sentence for affray is three years' imprisonment, and the judge indicated that all sentencing options remain open. The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that the attack was unprovoked and unacceptable, while the Metropolitan Police praised the guilty pleas as a step toward justice.
Brown has a prior conviction for assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in 2009. Additionally, he was recently found liable in a civil case involving a violent dog attack on a housekeeper, with a judgment awarding nearly $13 million in damages.