American singer Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to affray, a public order offence, over a 2023 nightclub altercation in London, bringing an end to the possibility of a trial on more serious charges.
The 37-year-old musician entered his plea on Friday at Southwark Crown Court in London, after the charge was read to him.
“Guilty,” Brown said, standing in the dock clothed in a beige suit and a dark brown tie.
The guilty plea means he will no longer stand trial on additional charges, such as attempting to cause grievous bodily injury with intent and possessing an offensive weapon, including a bottle.
Prosecutors said the charges which Chris Brown has previously denied, will be officially withdrawn at a later date.
The case involves an alleged confrontation at Tape, a private members’ club in London’s Hanover Square, on February 19, 2023, during Brown’s UK tour.
Prosecutors claim that a man was struck with a bottle, chased, and assaulted during the incident. The victim, who was also charged, pleaded guilty to affray and will be sentenced alongside Brown.
Brown, who has been on bail for £5 million ($6.7 million), is expected to be sentenced on October 26.
He was detained in May 2025 at a luxury hotel in Manchester, northern England, immediately after arriving by private aircraft, and was held for about a week before being released.
Despite the legal proceedings, Judge Tony Baumgartner eventually authorised him to continue his tour, which began in June in Amsterdam.
Brown ascended to global popularity with classics like Run It! and No Air, and he has remained one of R&B’s most prominent performers, despite various legal troubles.
