American singer Chris Brown has been handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, over an attack on music producer Abraham Diaw at a London nightclub in February 2023.
The 37-year-old Grammy-winning singer was sentenced on Monday, October 26, at Southwark Crown Court after pleading guilty to affray in July. Although the sentence means he will not go to prison immediately, he must comply with the court’s conditions throughout the 12-month suspension period.
The incident reportedly took place at Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district, where Brown allegedly attacked Diaw with a heavy tequila bottle, striking him twice on the head. Prosecutors told the court that CCTV footage showed the singer hitting the music producer several times, while his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, was also said to have joined the confrontation.
Diaw sustained injuries to his head and knee and was taken to St Mary’s Hospital for medical treatment.
Brown initially faced more serious charges, including assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. However, those charges were dropped after he pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of affray.
The singer’s legal troubles over the incident came to the fore again in May 2025, when he was arrested in Manchester after returning to the UK for a concert. He was later granted bail after providing £5 million in security, allowing him to continue with his tour.
