Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown was sentenced on Monday to eight months in prison, suspended for one year, for an assault that took place in a London nightclub in February 2023. Brown, 37, pleaded guilty in July to affray—a charge involving the use or threat of violence that causes someone to fear for their safety—after attacking music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle at Tape, a private venue in Mayfair.

Courtroom video showed Brown striking Diaw twice in the head with the bottle, prompting others to intervene and separate the two. Prosecutors described the attack as dangerous, noting the potential for more serious injury. Diaw was treated and discharged from the hospital with head and knee injuries.

Despite the severity of the incident, Judge Tony Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court determined that Brown did not merit an immediate custodial sentence. The judge cited Brown’s guilty plea and several mitigating factors, including his steady employment and involvement in charitable activities. While acknowledging Brown’s prior convictions, the judge noted his recent clean record as part of the sentencing considerations.

In addition to the affray charge, Brown faced potential prison time of up to three years. However, other charges related to assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon (the bottle) were dropped as part of a plea deal. Brown’s friend and vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, who also pleaded guilty to affray, received a four-month sentence suspended for one year.

Brown’s legal history includes a felony conviction in 2009 for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna, and various other incidents that led to arrests in multiple U.S. states. In 2019, he was questioned by French authorities on suspicion of rape but was released without charges. Despite Brown’s controversial past, fans gathered outside the courthouse to show support as he emerged wearing a black mask, dark glasses, a leather jacket, and a cap.

The sentence reflects the court’s balancing of the violent nature of the offense with Brown’s plea and personal circumstances, avoiding prison time while imposing a suspended sentence.