American singer Chris Brown has received an eight-month suspended prison sentence for assaulting music producer Abe Diaw with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub in 2023.
Brown and his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday after admitting a charge of affray over the incident at Tape nightclub on February 19, 2023.
The suspended sentences mean neither man will be required to serve the prison term immediately. However, they could be sent to prison if they commit another offence during the 12-month suspension period.
The pair pleaded guilty to affray in July but denied other charges, including attempted grievous bodily harm, assault, actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. Those charges were subsequently dropped.
Footage of the incident showed Brown striking Diaw four times with a tequila bottle during an altercation that lasted less than 20 seconds. Two of the blows were reportedly directed at Diaw’s head.
Prompt News reports Brown was initially arrested in May in connection with the case.
During the sentencing hearing, Brown’s lawyer, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, described the incident as brief and deeply regrettable, adding that the singer had expressed remorse.
“It is, however, an incident which was very short-lived, lasting something more than 17 seconds but no more than 20. It is something which undoubtedly would have caused distress to those who are present and for which Mr Brown offers a profound apology to all those present,” she said.
The presiding judge, Tony Baumgartner, condemned Brown’s use of a glass bottle, describing it as “plainly dangerous”.
He also characterised Akinlolu as an “active participant” in the confrontation, noting that the vocal coach initially sought to defend Brown because he believed the singer was under attack.
Baumgartner told the court that Diaw was taken to hospital following the incident. Medical assessments reportedly revealed a head injury, musculoskeletal problems, tenderness around his cervical spine and abdomen, as well as reduced movement in his left knee.
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The judge stressed that Brown’s celebrity status and professional success would not entitle him to preferential treatment under the law.
However, he said the singer’s compliance with bail conditions over an extended period was a factor considered during sentencing.
Brown was subsequently handed an eight-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, while Akinlolu received a four-month sentence, also suspended for the same period.
