US singer Chris Brown pleads guilty to affray, assault charges to be dropped

American singer Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to affray charges stemming from an alleged attack on a music producer at a London nightclub three years ago. Prosecutors announced they would not pursue more serious assault charges against the 37-year-old artist and his co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, 40.

“

Brown, 37, and his co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 40, stood in the dock at London's Southwark Crown Court and spoke only to confirm their names and their guilty pleas over the incident with Abraham Diaw in London's Tape nightclub in February 2023.

Both Brown and Akinlolu appeared at London's Southwark Crown Court on Friday, confirming their guilty pleas to the affray charge concerning an incident at the Tape nightclub in February 2023. They had initially faced more severe charges, including attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm, which they had denied and were scheduled to go to trial for in October.

“

But after Brown and Akinlolu pleaded guilty to the charge of affray, prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe said the other charges would not proceed to trial.

Prosecutors had alleged that Brown initiated an "unprovoked attack" on Abraham Diaw, using a tequila bottle. Brown was arrested in May 2025 upon returning to Britain for the first time since the incident. His initial bail was denied, casting doubt on his worldwide "Breezy Bowl XX" tour, before he was released after posting a £5 million (US$6.66 million) security fee.

“

Prosecutors had alleged Brown launched an "unprovoked attack" on Diaw with a tequila bottle, after he was arrested in May 2025 having returned to Britain for the first time since the incident.

Following the guilty plea to the affray charge, prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe confirmed the other charges would be dropped. Sentencing for Brown and Akinlolu is set for October 26 at the same court. As Brown left the court, he was met with cheers from fans chanting his nickname, "Breezy! Breezy!" and he signed autographs for them.

“

Brown was initially denied bail, throwing his worldwide Breezy Bowl XX tour into doubt, before he was released after promising to pay a £5 million (US$6.66 million) security fee.