American singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty to affray at Southwark Crown Court on July 24, 2026, following an incident at a London nightclub in February 2023. Brown admitted to attacking music producer Abraham Diaw with a glass bottle at the Tape private members’ club in Mayfair. The incident was described by prosecutors as a “vicious and unprovoked attack.”

Brown and his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, 40, who also pleaded guilty to affray, will be sentenced on October 26. Both had previously denied more serious charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. These charges were dropped upon their guilty pleas for the lesser offence of affray.

Prosecutors stated that Brown struck Diaw twice on the head with a tequila bottle before Akinlolu punched the victim in the head. Diaw was also reported to have been kicked while sitting on the floor as he attempted to retreat. The attack reportedly continued as Brown pursued Diaw through the nightclub, resulting in head and knee injuries which required hospital treatment at St Mary’s hospital in London.

Brown was arrested more than two years after the incident, in May 2025, at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, where he was staying during his Breezy Bowl world tour. He was taken into custody at 2 a.m. and spent six days in custody before being released on bail. Bail conditions included a £5 million security fee and the requirement to surrender his passport upon entering each country on his tour. Brown is permitted to leave the UK but must return for sentencing in October.

The Crown Prosecution Service described the attack as unacceptable and emphasized their commitment to holding individuals accountable regardless of their celebrity status. Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Campbell characterized the incident as a "vicious and unprovoked attack" in a crowded venue in which Brown used a glass bottle as a weapon.

Brown, 37, has a history of legal issues, notably a 2009 conviction for assaulting his former partner, pop singer Rihanna. That case involved charges of physical violence, including hitting, choking, and biting.

On the day of the hearing, Brown arrived flanked by security and dressed in a tan suit and gold-rimmed sunglasses. A small group of fans gathered outside the court, some offering vocal support. Brown interacted briefly with fans, signing autographs after the hearing. Akinlolu was seen embracing his lawyers as he left the court.

The case is scheduled for sentencing on October 26, where both men could face custodial sentences, with affray carrying a maximum prison term of three years.