American singer Chris Brown has received a suspended prison sentence in London over an incident at a nightclub in 2023. The sentence was handed down at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 26 October 2026, after Brown had pleaded guilty to affray earlier in the year.

Brown, 37, was given eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months. His friend and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, was sentenced at the same hearing to four months in prison, also suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to the same offence.

What the court heard

The case related to an incident at Tape nightclub in Mayfair, London, on 19 February 2023, involving music producer Abraham Diaw. Prosecutors said Brown struck Diaw with a bottle, and that the incident was captured on surveillance footage in a crowded venue. Diaw received hospital treatment for injuries to his head and knee, according to court reporting.

Both men pleaded guilty to affray on 24 July 2026. Affray is a public-order offence involving the use or threat of unlawful violence in a way that would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety.

Judge says fame brings no special treatment

Sentencing, Judge Tony Baumgartner said the repeated use of a bottle was dangerous, and described the violence as short but intense. He said he had taken account of Brown's employment and long-established career in music, but added that fame, commercial success and professional standing did not entitle him to special treatment, and that the law applies equally to everyone.

The judge also noted two previous convictions involving violence, from 2009 and 2013, describing them as relevant because of their nature but now old. Earlier charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon were dropped when the guilty pleas were entered.