Chris Brown given suspended sentence over London nightclub attack

Chris Brown has been given a suspended eight-month sentence for an attack at London's Tape nightclub, avoiding jail time. The assault took place in February 2023, when police say Brown hit music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle twice. Florida rapper and vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu, known as HoodyBaby, punched Diaw. Police described it as a "vicious and unprovoked assault."

Manchester police arrested Brown last year, and he pleaded guilty to one count of affray in July. HoodyBaby also pleaded guilty and received a four-month sentence, suspended for 12 months. Both had faced grievous bodily harm charges; those were dropped.

Judge Tony Baumgartner addressed Brown directly at sentencing. "I take account of your employment and long-established career in music," he said. "Your fame, commercial success, and professional standing do not entitle you to special treatment. The law applies equally to everyone." Earlier this year Brown was on a co-headlining stadium tour with Usher.