U.S. artist Chris Brown entered a guilty plea on Friday for an assault charge stemming from an incident at a London nightclub three years ago. Brown, 37, and his vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu, 40, confirmed their identities and guilty pleas in court. They were initially facing severe charges but pleaded guilty to the charge of affray, admitting to using or threatening unlawful violence against an individual. The more serious assault charges were dropped, and they were granted bail until their sentencing in October. The court stated that all sentencing options are open, with a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment for affray.
The Crown Prosecution Service condemned the assault as vicious and unprovoked, highlighting Brown’s use of a glass bottle as a weapon. Prosecutors alleged that Brown attacked the victim with a tequila bottle, continuing the assault as the victim attempted to escape. Despite facing uncertainty with his tour, Brown was released on bail after agreeing to pay a substantial security fee. Supporters cheered Brown as he left the court, signing autographs and departing in a waiting vehicle.