Chris Brown, the American singer, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence for attacking a music producer with a tequila bottle at the Tape nightclub in London in February 2023.
Brown and his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, were sentenced on Monday at Southwark Crown Court after both pleaded guilty to affray a charge arising from fighting or threatening violence that causes fear in others in relation to the assault on Abe Diaw.
Their sentences are suspended for 12 months, meaning they will only serve time if they commit another offence within that period.
In July, Brown and Akinlolu admitted to the affray charge but denied more serious allegations, including attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possessing an offensive weapon. Those additional charges were dropped.
The attack, which lasted less than 20 seconds, involved Brown striking Diaw four times with a tequila bottle, twice on the head. Brown was initially arrested in May.
His lawyer, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, described the incident as “short and deeply regretted,” adding that Brown offered a “profound apology” to everyone present.
Judge Tony Baumgartner noted the use of a glass bottle was “plainly dangerous.” He described Akinlolu as an “active participant” who tried to defend Brown, mistakenly believing the singer was under attack.
Diaw was hospitalized with a head injury, musculoskeletal issues, tenderness around the neck and abdomen, and reduced movement in his left knee.
During sentencing, the judge emphasized that Brown’s celebrity status would not afford him special treatment, though his compliance with bail conditions was a mitigating factor. Akinlolu was handed a four-month prison sentence, also suspended for 12 months.
