Chris Brown Given Suspended Eight-Month Prison Sentence over Nightclub Attack
US singer Chris Brown has avoided jail after striking a man twice in the head with a glass tequila bottle in a London nightclub. He was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, over the attack at private members' club Tape in Mayfair on 19 February 2023.
Brown's vocal coach, rapper Omololu Akinlolu, who joined the attack, was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. Both men, who had pleaded guilty to affray, were also ordered to pay £1,500 costs.
Judge Tony Baumgartner described Brown's use of the glass bottle to hit the victim twice over the head as "plainly dangerous" and the violence of the attack as "intense".
The sentence means Brown will not be imprisoned unless he commits another offence during the 12-month period of suspension.
The court heard Brown's attack on music producer Abraham 'Abe' Diaw left the victim in need of hospital treatment for his injuries. CCTV footage showed Brown struck Diaw four times with the bottle, connecting twice with his head, and then hitting his shoulder.
Judge Baumgartner said: "This was not planned violence. It was nevertheless serious violence by two people in a crowded nightclub."
He added that Brown's fame, commercial success, and professional standing "do not entitle you to special treatment—the law applies equally to everyone."
Brown and Akinlolu had pleaded guilty to affray in July, avoiding a trial on more serious charges which were subsequently dropped, including assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and having an offensive weapon.