LONDON — American R&B singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty Friday to a public order offense stemming from a 2023 nightclub brawl in London, avoiding a trial on more serious charges.
Appearing before Southwark Crown Court, the 37-year-old singer pleaded guilty to a charge of affray after admitting to using or threatening unlawful violence that would have caused others to fear for their safety.
Prosecutors said Brown will no longer face trial on charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon, namely a bottle. Those charges, which he had previously denied, are expected to be withdrawn.
Brown and co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 40, both pleaded guilty to affray. They are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26.
According to prosecutors, the charges stem from an incident at Tape, a private nightclub in London’s Hanover Square, on Feb. 19, 2023, in which the victim was allegedly struck twice in the head with a bottle before being chased, punched and kicked.
Under English law, affray carries penalties ranging from a fine to a maximum prison sentence of three years.
Brown, who was released on £5 million bail after spending nearly a week in custody in May 2025, was previously allowed to continue his concert tour while the case was pending.
The Grammy-winning singer has faced multiple legal issues during his career, including his 2009 felony conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna.