U.S. artist Chris Brown has admitted guilt to an assault charge for an incident at a London nightclub three years ago, where he allegedly attacked a producer with a bottle. Brown, 37, and his vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu, 40, appeared in London’s Southwark Crown Court and pleaded guilty to the charge of affray related to the altercation at Tape nightclub in February 2023. Initially facing more serious charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm, Brown and Akinlolu opted to plead guilty to the lesser charge of affray, acknowledging the use of or threat of unlawful violence against the victim. The court dropped the other charges, and the duo was granted bail until their sentencing in October. The maximum penalty for affray is three years in prison, and Judge Tony Baumgartner emphasized that all sentencing options are on the table.
According to prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe, the Crown Prosecution Service condemned the “vicious and unprovoked attack” carried out by Brown and Akinlolu, highlighting the use of a glass bottle as a weapon in the nightclub assault. The prosecution stressed the seriousness of such violence and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice in collaboration with law enforcement and justice partners. Prosecutors alleged that Brown initiated the attack with a tequila bottle, with both Brown and Akinlolu continuing to assault the victim as he tried to escape. Brown’s arrest in May 2025, upon his return to the UK, initially jeopardized his ongoing “Breezy Bowl XX” tour as he was denied bail. However, Brown was later released after agreeing to pay a £5 million security fee, enabling the continuation of his tour. Brown departed the court amidst cheers from fans, who chanted his nickname “Breezy,” as he signed autographs and departed in a waiting vehicle.