Chris Brown given suspended sentence over 2023 London nightclub bottle attack

London, United Kingdom. US singer Chris Brown, 37, received an eight-month suspended sentence at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for attacking music producer Abraham Diaw at the Tape nightclub in February 2023. Brown avoided immediate imprisonment and left the court as fans cheered.

The attack

The assault lasted about 20 seconds. Diaw was struck twice on the head with a bottle, which was then swung at him two more times. Prosecutors characterised the incident as vicious and unprovoked.

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Pleas and sentence

Brown and his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, 40, admitted a charge of affray in July. Both had earlier denied the more serious charges of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Tony Baumgartner described the incident as serious violence in public. He noted that Brown repeatedly used a bottle and hit Diaw on the head twice. The judge told Brown: “Your fame, commercial success and professional standing do not entitle you to special treatment – the law applies equally to everyone.”

Baumgartner nevertheless decided to suspend the sentence for 12 months. Brown will therefore avoid prison unless he commits another offence during that period. Akinlolu also escaped an immediate custodial sentence.

Police response

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah of the Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Violence will not be accepted on the streets of London.” She added that, whatever a person’s profile or status, officers will pursue those responsible and persistently work to bring them before the courts.

Earlier offences in the US

Brown won Grammy awards for best R&B album in 2011 and 2025. He has previously admitted violent offences in the US. In 2009 he was charged with assaulting his then-partner, the singer Rihanna, and a photograph of her bruised face made headlines worldwide.

Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe said Brown pleaded guilty to the 2009 assault and received five years’ probation. She added that he also admitted a 2013 assault on a fan, whom he was accused of punching after being asked for a photograph.