American singer Chris Brown has been given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for attacking music producer Abraham Diaw at a London nightclub in February 2023.
Brown will not serve time immediately, but the sentence could be activated if he commits another offense during the suspension period. The ruling was delivered at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The incident took place at Tape nightclub in Mayfair on February 19, 2023. Prosecutors said Brown hit Diaw twice on the head with a tequila bottle during the assault.
Brown’s friend and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, also took part in the attack. Akinlolu, who is also known as HoodyBaby, was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Both men pleaded guilty to affray in July 2026. The offence covers the use or threat of unlawful violence that causes other people to fear for their safety. More serious charges against Brown and Akinlolu were dropped after their guilty pleas.
Diaw sustained injuries to his head and knee and was taken to St Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
Judge Tony Baumgartner said the repeated use of the glass bottle had been dangerous and carried the potential to cause much more serious harm. He also made clear that Brown’s celebrity status and commercial success did not warrant different treatment under the law.
Brown and Akinlolu were each ordered to contribute £1,500 towards the prosecution costs.
The sentence follows a lengthy police investigation into the incident. Brown was arrested in May 2025 after returning to the United Kingdom to perform at a concert in Manchester.
Although the suspended term means Brown avoids immediate imprisonment, the conviction remains on his legal record.
