Updated August 14, 2026. Singer Chris Brown and his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, pleaded guilty to one count of affray at Southwark Crown Court on July 24, 2026. The plea relates to an assault at Tape London nightclub in February 2023. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, 2026.
What prosecutors say happened at Tape London
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the incident happened in the early hours of February 19, 2023, at the Tape London nightclub in Hanover Square.
The prosecution said Brown approached music producer Abraham Diaw from the dance floor and struck him twice on the head with a glass bottle. Akinlolu then joined the assault and punched Diaw in the head. Prosecutors said the attack continued as Diaw tried to get away and that he was kicked while seated on the floor. Diaw was later treated at St Mary’s Hospital for head and knee injuries.
These details reflect the prosecution’s account presented in court. Brown and Akinlolu accepted criminal responsibility for affray through their guilty pleas.
What Brown pleaded guilty to
Brown and Akinlolu each pleaded guilty to one count of affray. Affray is an offence involving unlawful violence, or a threat of violence, serious enough that a reasonable person at the scene would fear for their safety.
The Associated Press reported that prosecutors dropped separate charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and possessing an offensive weapon after the affray pleas were entered. Brown had previously denied the more serious allegations, and the case had been scheduled for trial in October.
What happens next
Both defendants remain on bail and are due to return to Southwark Crown Court for sentencing on October 26, 2026. The Associated Press reports that affray carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, although the actual sentence will be decided by the court based on the circumstances of the case.
The CPS said Brown left the United Kingdom after the 2023 incident and was arrested on May 15, 2025, after returning to Manchester for a concert. Akinlolu had also left the country following the incident.
Sources
- Crown Prosecution Service: official case statement, July 24, 2026
- Associated Press: report on the guilty pleas and sentencing date, July 24, 2026
Correction — August 14, 2026: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that sentencing was scheduled for September 26. The correct date is October 26, 2026. This revision also adds direct source links and additional case context.
Edin Pula
Edin Pula is the editor responsible for reviewing and publishing content at Smashology Media. He oversees sourcing, fact-checking, corrections, and editorial standards across coverage of internet culture, technology, entertainment, news, and crime.
