In February 2023, Chris Brown reportedly attacked the music producer Abraham Diaw at London's Tape nightclub. Police accused Brown of hitting Diaw with a tequila bottle twice while Omololu Akinlolu, the Florida rapper and vocal coach known as HoodyBaby, punched him. Police called it a "vicious and unprovoked assault," claiming that the two continued to assault Diaw while he tried to flee the club. Now, Brown has been given a suspended eight-month sentence. He will avoid jail time.
Manchester police arrested Brown last year, and he pleaded guilty to one point of affray in July. As Variety reports, Judge Tony Baumgartner addressed Brown at his sentencing: "I take account of your employment and long-established career in music. Your fame, commercial success, and professional standing do not entitle you to special treatment. The law applies equally to everyone." HoodyBaby, who also pleaded guilty, got a four-month sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Brown and HoodyBaby also faced charges of grievous body harm, but those charges were dropped. Earlier this year, Brown went on a successful co-headlining stadium tour with Usher.