Chris Brown Pleads Guilty in London Nightclub Assault Case

LONDON — Chris Brown has pleaded guilty in the long-running criminal case stemming from a violent altercation at a London nightclub.

The development came as the Grammy-winning singer appeared alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, also known as HoodyBaby, before Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.

Brown and Akinlolu each pleaded guilty to one count of affray in connection with the February 2023 incident at Tape London.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Brown allegedly struck music producer Abraham Diaw twice over the head with a glass bottle before prosecutors say Akinlolu joined the altercation.

Prosecutors allege Diaw was then chased through the crowded nightclub and kicked while sitting defenseless on the floor. He was later treated at a hospital for injuries to his head and knees.

In court, prosecutors argued:

“This was a vicious and unprovoked attack by Brown and Akinlolu in a crowded nightclub where Brown used a glass bottle as a weapon to strike the victim’s head twice.”

The guilty plea marks a significant shift in the case after Brown had previously denied the allegations and was expected to stand trial in October.

As part of the plea, prosecutors will no longer pursue charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Brown, 37, was arrested in Manchester in May 2025 after returning to the United Kingdom for his world tour. He was later released after posting £5 million with the court as security.

Brown and Akinlolu remain free on bail and are scheduled to be sentenced on October 26. Under U.K. law, the affray charge carries a maximum prison sentence of three years.

For now, Brown continues his “The R&B Tour” stadium tour alongside Usher across North America.