R&B singer Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to affray in connection with a violent incident at a London nightclub where he struck a music producer several times with a bottle. The plea was entered at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, July 23, 2026, for the attack that occurred in February 2023 at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, Central London. His co-defendant and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded guilty to affray.
Charges and Plea
Brown had originally been charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, a charge he denied. However, prosecutors later discontinued that charge, along with a separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon—a bottle—in a public place. The affray charge carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
Details of the Attack
According to prosecutors, Brown struck producer Abe Diaw several times with a bottle before chasing him across the nightclub. He was further accused of punching and kicking Diaw alongside Akinlolu. The attack was reportedly captured on CCTV. Diaw was later treated in hospital for head and knee injuries.
Arrest and Bail
Brown was arrested in Manchester after arriving in the UK aboard a private jet for his tour. He was granted bail after paying a £5 million security fee and remains free under conditions requiring him to surrender his passport when not travelling for performances.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Tony Baumgartner ordered pre-sentence reports for both defendants, stating, "I will order pre-sentence reports on each defendants and I keep all options open." Brown and Akinlolu are scheduled to be sentenced on October 26. Following the court hearing, Brown smiled as he left the courthouse, signed autographs for fans, and later posted on Instagram, "From the cage to the stage!"
Prosecutor and Police Statements
Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Campbell commented on the case, saying, "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." She added, "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."
Detective Constable Zara Ripamonti of the Metropolitan Police said, "This was a disgraceful, unprovoked assault that put a man in hospital." She added, "There is no place for serious violence like this in London and I’m pleased these men accepted what they did wasn’t just completely unacceptable – but criminal. This has been a long investigation and we’ve worked with police colleagues in the UK to bring these two men to justice."
