Chris Brown pleads guilty to affray in London club

Singer Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to affray over a confrontation at the Tape club in Mayfair. The incident, which occurred on 19 February 2023, involved an attack on music producer Abraham Diaw. Brown and his co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, admitted affray at Southwark crown court on Friday, after more serious charges, including assault and possession of an offensive weapon, were dropped. Brown was arrested in Manchester on 15 May 2025 and released on bail.

Details of the Attack

Prosecutors stated that Brown struck Mr Diaw twice on the head with a glass bottle before Mr Akinlolu joined in, punching the victim. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) described the attack as 'unprovoked' and 'vicious', noting that Mr Diaw was also kicked while on the floor. Mr Diaw sustained head and knee injuries and received treatment at St Mary’s hospital. The court heard that Brown pursued Mr Diaw through the nightclub during the assault.

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Legal Proceedings and Bail

Both Brown and Akinlolu had initially pleaded not guilty to the more serious charges. They were facing trial later this year. On Friday, however, they entered guilty pleas to the lesser charge of affray. Senior crown prosecutor at CPS London South, Claire Campbell, commented on the case, stating, "This kind of violence is entirely unacceptable, and the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly – with the police and partners across the criminal justice system – to pursue cases like this and prove that no one is above the law." Brown was released on bail again following the hearing.

Brown was arrested over two years after the incident, detained by Metropolitan police in Manchester. He was subsequently released from Forest Bank prison in Salford six days later. At earlier hearings, Brown had been required to pay a £5 million security fee as part of his bail conditions, which also permitted him to undertake a world tour provided he surrendered his passport upon entering each country.

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Sentencing and Previous Convictions

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced in October. This case adds to a history of legal issues for the singer, including a previous assault conviction in 2009 for which he received probation and community labour.