Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to affray after a case management hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, in connection with an alleged bottle attack at the Tape private members' club in Mayfair in 2023. The R&B singer, 37, waved to supporters as he arrived at court.
Initial Denial and Changed Plea
In July 2023, Brown denied all charges, stating 'Not guilty ma’am' at a plea hearing. He had been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Abraham Diaw, possessing an offensive weapon (the bottle) in a public place, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. His vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu also denied a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
On Friday, three charges were dropped: assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Diaw, possessing an offensive weapon, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. Brown now faces sentencing on the affray charge on October 26.
Legal Definition of Affray
Under UK law, affray applies if a person 'uses or threatens unlawful violence towards another and his conduct is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety.' The maximum penalty on indictment is three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both; on summary conviction, up to six months or a fine.
Prosecutor and Police Statements
Detective Constable Zara Ripamonti said: 'This was a disgraceful, unprovoked assault that put a man in hospital. 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.'
Claire Campbell, Senior Crown Prosecutor in CPS London South, added: '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. This kind of violence is entirely unacceptable, and the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly to pursue cases like this and prove that no one is above the law.'
Bail Conditions and Tour
At earlier hearings, Brown was ordered to pay a £5 million security fee as part of his bail conditions. He surrendered his passport but was allowed to continue performing on his world tour. He was released on bail again on Friday.
