Amadou “Abe” Diaw is a music producer who became publicly known after he accused singer Chris Brown of attacking him with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub in February 2023. Diaw sued Brown for $16 million in Los Angeles; that civil case was dismissed with prejudice in June 2025. A separate UK criminal prosecution against Brown over the same incident is still moving toward trial.
Diaw’s Work in Music
Before the incident put his name in headlines, Diaw worked as a music producer. He holds a songwriting credit on “Diana,” a track performed by Fireboy DML and Chris Brown, which means the two men had a professional connection in the industry before the night at the club.1Genius. Diana by Fireboy DML and Chris Brown – Songwriters Public records give his full legal name as Amadou Abe Diaw, though some outlets have referred to him as Abraham “Abe” Diaw.2Rolling Stone. Chris Brown Assault Lawsuit Dismissed
What Diaw Says Happened at Tape Nightclub
On February 19, 2023, Diaw was at Tape nightclub in Mayfair when, according to UK prosecutors, an “unprovoked attack” took place.3BBC News. Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges Diaw alleged that Brown struck him in the head several times with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila as he stood at the bar.4Forbes. Chris Brown Charged by UK Police Over Alleged Nightclub Attack Prosecutors say he was then chased to another part of the club and punched and kicked by Brown and a second man, Omololu Akinlolu.
Diaw said he suffered head lacerations, torn ligaments in his leg, and was knocked unconscious for roughly 30 seconds.5Page Six. Chris Brown Sued for Allegedly Beating Up Man at London Nightclub He told reporters that Brown “hit me over the head two or three times” and that his “knee collapsed as well.”6Yahoo Entertainment. Chris Brown Arrested Over Alleged Nightclub Attack He was hospitalized and left on crutches. His lawsuit later claimed the injuries could be permanent and that he continues to experience emotional distress.
The $16 Million Lawsuit
Diaw filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, at the Santa Monica Courthouse, on October 27, 2023, seeking $16 million.7Trellis Law. Amadou Abe Diaw vs Chris Brown et al8Billboard. Chris Brown Arrested in Manchester The case (23SMCV05079) was handled by attorneys Ryan Daneshrad and Shantel Yaghoobian.
The complaint named Brown, Akinlolu, and a group of corporate defendants: Live Nation Entertainment, Live Nation Worldwide Inc., RCA Records, Sony Corporation of America, and Sony Music Entertainment.7Trellis Law. Amadou Abe Diaw vs Chris Brown et al Diaw argued that Live Nation had “implicitly endorsed” Brown’s violent behavior by leaning into his “bad-boy persona” when promoting his “Under the Influence” tour, which was in progress at the time of the incident.9Bloomberg Law. Live Nation Endorsed Chris Brown’s Violent Behavior, Suit Says
Why the Lawsuit Ended
On June 27, 2025, Diaw voluntarily asked the court to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning he cannot refile it.2Rolling Stone. Chris Brown Assault Lawsuit Dismissed10Billboard. Chris Brown Assault Lawsuit Dismissed by Victim11TMZ. Chris Brown Lawsuit Over Nightclub Brawl Dismissed
The UK Criminal Case Is Separate
The end of Diaw’s civil suit did not end Brown’s legal exposure. London’s Metropolitan Police arrested Brown at 2:00 a.m. on May 15, 2025, at the Lowry Hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.12Variety. Chris Brown Arrested in Manchester Over Bottle Attack on Producer13People. Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm14BBC News. Chris Brown Criminal Proceedings Update
Akinlolu, a 39-year-old American rapper and producer who performs as HoodyBaby, has pleaded not guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm. Brown’s trial on the GBH charge is scheduled for October 26, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court.3BBC News. Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges One condition of Brown’s bail is that he have no contact with Diaw and stay away from Tape nightclub.15BBC News. Chris Brown Granted Bail With Tour Conditions