American musician Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to a charge of affray in connection with a violent incident at a London nightclub in 2023, accepting a deal that allows him to avoid a trial on more serious charges.

The 37-year-old entertainer gave his plea on Friday at Southwark Crown Court, in a hearing that lasted less than five minutes. Brown appeared alongside his co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, a 40-year-old rapper known as Hoody Baby who also serves as his vocal coach.

The event took place in February 2023 at Tape, a private and exclusive club located in the Mayfair district, central London.

According to prosecutors, Brown hit music producer Abe Diaw in the head with a bottle several times. Security camera images captured the moment when Brown approached the victim and attacked him with the bottle, while Akinlolu joined in the attack by hitting the man in the head.

The victim tried to flee, but they continued to chase him and attack him inside the premises, even kicking him when he was on the ground. Diaw, who is also a music producer, required hospital care for head and knee injuries.

Prosecutor Claire Campbell called the incident “a vicious and unprovoked attack” in a crowded nightclub. “This type of violence is completely unacceptable,” he said.

Agreement and charges dropped

Initially, Brown faced more severe charges, including attempt to cause serious bodily injury and possession of an offensive weapon, specifically a tequila bottle. Both Brown and Akinlolu had denied these charges and were scheduled to face trial in October.

However, after the guilty plea to the crime of fighting, prosecutors dropped the more serious charges. Brown admitted using or threatening unlawful violence against another person in a way that would cause a “reasonable bystander” to fear for their safety, which is the legal definition of fighting in the UK.

As part of his bail conditions, Brown had to pay a security fee of 5 million pounds (approximately $6 million). This bond allowed him to go on a world tour, although with the condition of handing over his passport upon arriving in each country.

Brown was arrested in May 2025 at a Manchester hotel upon returning to the UK to prepare for his tour, and spent several days in custody. During a concert in Manchester, the singer thanked fans for their support and also mentioned his time in prison, saying: “It's been very good.”

Legal background

The Grammy Award-winning artist has a history of legal problems. In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault against his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, following an altercation the night before the Grammy Awards. He was sentenced to five years of probation, community service and domestic violence counseling.

In the current case, both Brown and Akinlolu were released on bail and will face sentencing on October 26, 2026, when Judge Tony Baumgartner will determine the sentence. The crime of fighting in the United Kingdom carries penalties ranging from a fine to three years in prison.

Brown's supporters held signs of support outside the London court during the hearing, chanting his name and offering messages of encouragement.