Chris Brown faces sentencing in London over 2023 nightclub bottle attack

Chris Brown faces up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to affray over London nightclub attack

American singer Chris Brown arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, October 26, for sentencing after pleading guilty to affray over an attack at a Mayfair nightclub in February 2023.

The 37-year-old singer faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for the offence, which involved attacking music producer Abraham Diaw with a bottle at Tape nightclub.

Brown had initially denied striking Diaw, but prosecutors said surveillance footage captured the confrontation in front of a crowded venue.

Brown pleaded guilty to affray in July as part of a deal that saw prosecutors drop charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.

Several fans cheered as Brown arrived at court on Monday. He wore a black leather jacket, a light-coloured turtleneck, dark glasses and a black cap, with a black mask covering his face.

Brown's friend and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded guilty to affray and was due to be sentenced alongside the singer.

Following the incident, Brown left the United Kingdom. He was arrested in May 2025 at a hotel in Manchester after travelling to the city for a concert. He was subsequently released on bail set at £5 million, allowing him to tour Europe and North America during the summer of 2025.

Brown rose to fame as a teenager in 2005 and has won two Grammy Awards for best R&B album. His first win came in 2011 for F.A.M.E., followed by another in 2025 for 11:11 (Deluxe).

The singer has faced repeated legal issues throughout his career. In 2009, he was convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, before the pair were due to perform at the Grammy Awards.

He has also faced arrests over altercations in several US states. In 2019, Brown was arrested in Paris and questioned on suspicion of rape. He was released without charge.