Singer Chris Brown says he's "not a monster"

R&B singer Chris Brown said he is "not a monster" in a video message posted online this week ahead of a court hearing over a criminal charge that he beat pop singer Rihanna, leaving her bruised and bloodied.

Brown, who is not expected to attend the hearing set for Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, does not mention Rihanna by name in the video posted on the website www.justin.tv and circulated online on Wednesday.

But the 20-year-old singer of hits "Kiss Kiss" and "Run It" appears to address the accusations that he beat his girlfriend Rihanna in February while in a car in Los Angeles on the eve of the Grammy awards.

"I just wanna say 'What up?' because I ain't been out there in a minute," Brown said in the video, marking the only time he has seemed publicly to address the incident beyond an initial statement in February.

"Everybody that's haters, they just been haters. All my real fans, I love you all. I ain't a monster," he said.

A representative for Rihanna, singer of hit songs such as "Umbrella," was not immediately available to comment.

Brown is charged with assaulting Rihanna by "means of force likely to produce great bodily injury" and threatening to commit a crime "which would result in death and great bodily injury." He faces up to four years in prison if convicted, and has previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In February, one week after the incident, he issued a statement saying "words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired." He added that he had sought counseling.

At Thursday's hearing, Brown's attorney Mark Geragos is expected to contest the charges on grounds that a police photo of Rihanna, taken after she was beaten, should not have been leaked to the media. It showed Rihanna with her eyes closed and her lower lip bloodied and swollen.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE54Q53920090528

Chris Brown Denies Leaking Nude Rihanna Photos

Since Friday (May 8), the internet has been buzzing over leaked nude photos of Rihanna, allegedly showing the singer in all her glory.

Since the leak, which followed leaked photos of a nude Cassie earlier in the week, fans and bloggers have speculated whether Rihanna's ex Chris Brown -- who also appears to be in the set of photos of the singer -- was responsible.

Despite hearsay and rumors, Brown is denying any involvement in the release of the photos on Friday.

On Sunday (May 10), a spokesperson released the following statement on behalf of Brown: "Rumors that images circulating on the web, which purport to be provocative photos of Rihanna were 'leaked' by Chris Brown are both false and defamatory. Chris has not released or 'leaked' any photos of Rihanna (or anyone else for that matter)."

In as many as seven photos, a woman shot several self-portrait pics in various hotel mirrors. Rihanna's face is clear in at least three photos, all of which show the singer clothed. None of the nude pics feature the woman's face. One photo features a man who resembles Brown, shirtless but not nude, with lacy underwear on his head.

According to TMZ, the legal department of Island Def Jam, Rihanna's label, mailed out cease and desist notices to at least one website hosting the alleged nude photos, demanding that they be removed, claiming they are in violation of "the Artist's rights."

Depite the legal involvement from Island, they did not confirm whether the photos are, indeed, of Rihanna.

http://www.ballerstatus.com/2009/05/12/chris-brown-denies-leaking-nude-rihanna-photos/

Chris Brown And Rihanna Fans React To Not-Guilty Plea

On Monday in a Los Angeles courtroom, Chris Brown pleaded not guilty to two felony charges of assault and making criminal threats, charges stemming from his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of this year's Grammy Awards.

Since it happened back in February, fans have reacted with mixed feelings to the various stages of the incident, and Brown's not-guilty plea is no different. Most fans think he made the wrong decision. "I don't think that that's right. I think he should [plead guilty]," Brandi Crosmer told MTV News. "You should take responsibility for your actions."

Many, like Crosmer, feel that Brown is using his fame to get out of trouble. "It's disappointing that this is even happening," Jennifer Weber said. "Chris Brown is looked up to by a lot of people."

Weber also added that if she was Rihanna, she'd feel "heartbroken" about the whole incident and that by pleading not guilty it would be like "you never knew him. If he's going to go back on what he used to say and he's not even going to be able to own up then you feel like you didn't know him in the first place."

Most guys thought he should "man up" and admit to the alleged incident. "He should go to prison if that's what he did," Aaron McClanahan said. Christian Ortiz and Nicholas Esterez added, "It's the kind of thing that people with money and status can do ... I really think he should have pleaded guilty. He should probably serve some time for doing what he did."

Athena Reich added that if Brown is using a not-guilty plea as part of a plea deal, "Then that's a play and he's not being honest in court. It would be better if he could just be honest. My gut reaction is that it's kind of sad that people can't be honest." She continued, "I would run [if I were Rihanna]. I would run away. I would take off my high heels and run."

Most of the women MTV News talked to about the plea felt similarly to Reich, saying that if they were Rihanna they'd definitely be upset with Brown. "I'd be angry, 'cause it's not fair," Alex Bertie said. "Just 'cause he's famous doesn't mean he should get away with it." Her friend, Nadine Oakes, added, "I wanna see him go down."

Brown is next due in court on April 29.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1608747/20090407/brown__chris__18_.jhtml

Chris Brown -- Let's Make a Deal

Chris Brown's lawyer and the prosecutor in the Rihanna case have been engaged in "serious" plea bargain negotiations and according to one source, a "deal is close."

We know Brown will plead not guilty tomorrow, however the plea may just be a formality.

Sources say Rihanna has made it clear she does not want to tesitfy in the case and wants Brown to cop a plea. We're told one of the reasons she's in Barbados right now is because "she wants to be as far away from this case as possible."

As we first reported, Brown was inclined to plead either guilty or no contest to a misdeamor, provided he got no jail time -- but since we broke that story, the D.A. and Mark Geragos, Brown's lawyer, have gotten down to the nitty gritty.

We do not know if Brown changed his view and would accept jail time to avoid a trial. Brown will be in court tomorrow for the arraignment.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/04/05/chris-brown-lets-make-a-deal/

Soulja Boy opens up about his pals Chris Brown and Rihanna

Former Chris Brown tour-mate Soulja Boy weighed in on the alleged Rihanna incident on the red carpet at last Saturday's 2009 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Here's what he told EW: "[Chris] needs to be focused on fixing himself right now and fixing the relationship. I don't know what went wrong or what happened exactly, but I couldn't be more shocked. Both of them are my friends and I wish both of them the best of luck. They were really good together and it is sad that it happened. It came out of nowhere. I would have never seen that coming. It is not like him at all. Not his nature. I hope they both get through it in a positive light. It is going to be tough because they are going through it all publicly. Remember that only God can judge though. None of us know exactly what went down that weekend. Only they know the whole truth and it will be up to them to decide if they can get straight with it and whether they will want to continue as a couple. I can just be there if either of them need me." In addition to boasting about his sparkly $100,000 necklace and professing a desire to collaborate with Kanye West, the loquacious rapper also revealed the inspiration behind his new hit single, "Kiss Me Thru the Phone," which is riding high at No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. "It is based on my personal experience," he says. "When I was recording, I had a girl I wanted to see real bad but I couldn't, so I told someone else how I have to be all right with kissing her through the phone for a few months and that was how it all came about." Next up for the young MC? A summer tour. "I'm the headliner and I am going to put my swagga into it. Move over, Chris Brown."

http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/03/soulja-boy-open.html

Chris Brown, Rihanna were no-shows at Kids' Choice

Chris Brown and Rihanna, who added star power to last year's Kids' Choice Awards, were conspicuously absent at the annual event on Saturday.

Brown, who was nominated for favorite male singer and favorite song for "Kiss Kiss," withdrew his name from Kids' Choice contention after he was arrested Feb. 8 for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. Rihanna, a fellow Kids' Choice nominee for favorite female singer and favorite song for "Don't Stop the Music," was also a no-show.

"For them not to be here is very sad. I was looking forward to seeing them here," rapper Soulja Boy, who is a friend of the pop stars, said from the orange carpet.

"Right now, it's a sad situation. And it's very touchy. I'm just .... it just shocked me when it happened," he added.

Soulja Boy said he's spoken with Brown over the phone and that the 19-year-old R&B singer is "doing OK."

"Yeah, right now, it's a delicate time," he added. "You know, the court date is coming up. I hope that they both get through it in a positive way."

Brown, who has been charged by Los Angeles prosecutors with felony assault and making criminal threats, is scheduled to be arraigned April 6.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/K/KIDS_CHOICE_AWARDS_BROWN_RIHANNA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-03-29-06-33-25

A Chris and Rihanna Sex Tape?!

Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson have fallen victim to sex tape controversies -- is Rihanna next?

Star magazine says a sex tape of Rihanna and BF Chris Brown exists! Star reports Rihanna, 21, allowed Chris, 19, to record what happens behind closed doors and she's worried the tapes will ruin her reputation.

A source tells the mag, "Rihanna has no issues with her sexuality." The source continues, "She'd be mortified if her friends and family found this out!"

Rumors are also swirling about the couple taking a break. It was reported Brown was spotted getting off a plane with another woman in Virginia. Some say this could be a new girlfriend!

http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/03/a_chris_and_rihanna_sex_tape.php

Is Chris Brown Holding A 'Sex Tape' Over Rihanna's Head ?

Chart-topping singer Rihanna is rumored to be worried over an alleged sex tape and its possible release to the masses !

In reports issued by Star Magazine and The Sun, sources claim Chris Brown may have threatened to release the tape in order to get Rihanna back on his side after their alleged altercation in February.

According to the article, Rihanna permitted Brown to film the tape, but following the recent break in their relationship, is concerned that the tape may be released.

A source told the Star; "Rihanna has not issues with her sexuality, but she'd be mortified if her friends and family found this out".

If the tape, which is still rumored, does exist and is somehow leaked, could be a major blow to the former "Take A Bow" singer.

Chris Brown is due back in court April 6.

http://www.singersroom.com/news/3483/Is-Chris-Brown-Holding-A-Sex-Tape-Over-Rihannas-Head-

Chris Brown And Rihanna Did Not Record A Duet Last Month

People magazine published a report Friday (March 13) denying that Rihanna and Chris Brown recorded a duet together last month. Just Thursday, CNN reported that producer Polow Da Don had overseen the pair's recording sessions after Brown was charged with two felonies in the alleged altercation.

"The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told UsMagazine.com on Friday, calling the CNN report misinformed. "The duet was recorded long before the incident."

"Contrary to published reports, Chris Brown and Rihanna did not record a duet after the incident," echoed the People report, quoting a "label source" with knowledge of the recording.

The confusion seems to be the result of a demo recorded by Brown and Rihanna in 2008, which Polow Da Don spoke with MTV News about after it leaked onto the Internet in January. According to the People source, their "reference vocals" were meant to instruct the eventual singers on how to do the song. The track, titled "Bad Girl," was intended to be on the soundtrack for the recent film "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.

"Nothing has been recorded by Chris and Rihanna together since February," insisted the People source.

Although various outlets have feverishly reported on Brown/Rihanna reconciliations and breakups daily, only this much is clear: The L.A. district attorney filed two felony counts against Brown last week, following a February 8 incident in which police said he assaulted Rihanna. Brown is expected to be back in court on April 6 for his formal arraignment and faces nearly five years in prison if convicted.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607007/20090313/brown__chris__18_.jhtml

Oprah Winfrey: my Rihanna, Chris Brown show 'a huge, teachable moment'

Oprah Winfrey's live show about "dating violence" and Chris Brown's alleged beating of Rihanna was one of those TV moments when Oprah becomes a nationwide town meeting, in which Winfrey uses her extraordinary outreach and influence on America to try and shed light and counsel on a cultural issue. Dedicating the hour to "all the Rihannas in the world, and all the young men who would think of hitting a woman," Winfrey didn't shy away from arguing with young members of the audience who expressed sympathy for the male violence of which Brown is accused.

After a report from Entertainment Tonight correspondent Kevin Frazier that Rihanna and Brown are recording a duet and may write a book together about domestic violence, Winfrey told one teen her take on the Rihanna-Brown situation: "If you go back to a man who hit you, you don't think you're worthy of being with a man who won't."

At Winfrey's side was Tyra Banks, who'd given over her own talk show to the same topic earlier in the day, and repeated a sentiment she used there: "There's no excuse for a man to put his hands on a woman, ever, ever, ever." She also talked about a relationship she'd been in, in which she felt herself a victim of "emotional abuse." Banks intruded too often into the interviews Winfrey conducted, it seemed to me, but she did make a valuable point when one teen expressed disappointment that Rihanna apparently hasn't abandonded Brown and therefore wasn't a "role model." Banks reminded the audience that Rihanna is "a girl... an entertainer," not a role model, and shouldn't have to bear this added pressure.

Winfrey's presentation was most interesting when interviewing teens in pre-taped moments and live via remote locations such as Boise, Idaho, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Declaring her show a "huge, teachable moment" for America, Winfrey also interviewed a pregnant young woman, Britney, whose boyfriend, the father of her child, was in jail for attacking her. This interview was at once electrifying and queasy-making.

The hour skipped around a lot, with Winfrey showing a clip from a 1993 show she did about a girl whose boyfriend killed her, and then brought the mother of that girl onstage to talk with Britney and her parents. This seemed a stretch, since this woman, not identified as any sort of professional and speaking as she put it, based on "what little I know about this situation," couldn't offer much in the way of useful advice. As always, Winfrey was sincere, careful with her facts, and offered a lot of websites and phone numbers for viewers in similarly troubled or dangerous situations to contact. She concluded by calling out, "God bless, Rihanna, Chris!"

Did you watch? Do you think Oprah is a useful forum for the discussion of these issues?

http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/03/oprah-winfrey-o.html?iid=top25-Oprah+Winfrey%3A+my+Rihanna%2C+Chris+Brown+show+%27a+huge%2C+teachable+moment%27

Brown Takes Himself Out of 'Kids' Awards

With all of the backlash picking up steam, Chris Brown has withdrawn his name from consideration for the upcoming 'Kids' Choice Awards.' Brown was nominated for two awards, and many were calling for Nickelodeon to take his name off of the ballot as a result of the two felony charges he's facing for allegedly beating his girlfriend Rihanna.

Aside from the Nickelodeon uproar, a TMZ report yesterday added new details as to what exactly may have sparked the violent incident between Brown and girlfriend Rihanna during Grammy weekend. TMZ reports that the text message Brown received that sparked the fight was from his 39-year-old manager, who he allegedly had a romantic relationship with when he was 16.

"Law enforcement tells us the text message to Brown talked about hooking up later -- and it totally pissed off Rihanna," TMZ reports.

On the Nickelodeon front, many protested Brown's nomination because the show's winners are chosen by online votes, which meant could have walked away with awards for favorite male singer and favorite song for 'Kiss Kiss.'

"Like all our KCA nominees, Chris Brown was nominated by kids several months ago based on his body of work as a performer, and the kids who vote will ultimately decide who wins in the category," Dan Martinsen, Nickelodeon spokesman, said. They refused to pull Brown off of the ballot.

Nick said it has gotten hundreds of calls protesting the nomination. An online petition asking Nickelodeon to remove Brown and Rihanna as nominees had 4,655 signatures Tuesday. Brown was nominated before the incident with Rihanna, and the honor had received little notice until the singer posted a note last week on his Facebook urging his fans to vote for him.

Nickelodeon drew up its list of award nominees from surveys its young viewers completed late last year, the network said. The nominees were announced on Feb. 6 -- two days before the Grammys.

The awards show is scheduled for March 28.

http://www.popeater.com/music/article/chris-brown-not-going-to-kids-choice/377058

Oprah dedicates Thursday's show to Rihanna

"He will hit you again." That was Oprah's warning to Rihanna on her talk show last Friday while announcing that she will do an episode about domestic violence this week "dedicated to all the Rihannas of the world." I certainly look forward to hearing what she has to say -- and I hope Rihanna tunes in as well. Of all the people advising her these days, I can't imagine anyone has better words of wisdom to offer than the mighty O. What do you think, PopWatchers? Should Oprah get involved? Seems pretty bold, as even the slightest quote on this subject gets reported everywhere. Can she pull it off without being unfair to Chris Brown given that he has not yet been convicted? Should we worry about that at all? And if the reports that the troubled couple has reconciled are true, wouldn't you rather see them appear on the show together so they can justify their love?

http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/03/oprah-dedicates.html?iid=top25-Oprah+dedicates+Thursday%27s+show+to+Rihanna

Oprah Winfrey has a warning for Rihanna: Chris Brown "will hit you again"

Oprah Winfrey has a message for pop princess Rihanna, who prosecutors say was beaten to a pulp last month by boyfriend Chris Brown: "He will hit you again."

Former Manhattan sex-crimes prosecutor Linda Fairstein's warning is starker: He also could kill you.

Fairstein compared the fist-happy crooner to O.J. Simpson, who repeatedly beat his wife without consequence before she was slain in 1994.

Rihanna's reported reconciliation with Brown after her Feb. 8 pummeling sparked an outpouring of debate, controversy and motherly advice.

"Love doesn't hurt," Winfrey said on her show Friday, while announcing she will dedicate a program this week to discussing domestic violence.

"I want to do a show about it, dedicated to all the Rihannas of the world."

Speaking directly into the camera, Winfrey said, "If a man hits you once, he will hit you again. He will hit you again."

Sex crimes expert Fairstein warned Rihanna - as 21-year-old Barbadian singer Robyn Rihanna Fenty is known - that she risks not just another bloodying, but her very life.

"Many of the circumstances in her case were like the early warning signs in the O.J. Simpson case," Fairstein said.

She pointed to several "red flags" that suggest Rihanna could be in the same danger as Nicole Brown Simpson was 15 years ago, getting hit repeatedly but not pressing charges and then reconciling with the former running back.

The allegation that Chris Brown choked Rihanna while saying "Now I'm really going to kill you" is a particularly bad sign, Fairstein said.

"Choking behavior is a very interesting factor. It's hands on, face-to-face. It's a very intimate type of violence," she said.

New police techniques that assess an offender's potential lethality based on a list of warning factors should be used in this case, Fairstein said.

The Daily News reported this weekend that Rihanna is torn about whether to testify against Brown next month.

According to a police affidavit, the couple began squabbling after Rihanna found a text message from one of Brown's ex-girlfriends on his cell phone as they were driving through Hollywood.

Brown then allegedly punched her repeatedly, tried to push her out of the car, bashed her head against the window, bit her ear and fingers, and choked her until she nearly passed out.

Brown, 19, entered no plea last week to two felony charges of assault and making criminal threats. He is out on $50,000 bail and returns to court April 6; his celebrity lawyer, Mark Geragos, is reportedly trying to work out a plea deal.

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/03/08/2009-03-08_oprah_winfrey_has_a_warning_for_rihanna_.html

If Chris Brown calls Rihanna: Testing, testing, 1-2, 1-2.

Watch what you say, Chris Brown.

Rihanna legally has the right to tape-record your phone conversations.

Brown who was charged last week with two felonies in the alleged beating of his girlfriend, is banned by law from bad behavior toward Rihanna.

According to court documents linked to at L.A. Now, The Times' breaking-news blog, he may not "harass, strike, threaten, assault (sexually or otherwise), follow, stalk, molest, destroy or damage personal or real property" of Rihanna's.

That includes her face.

He also can’t "disturb the peace, keep under surveillance or block movements" and must get rid of any guns he may have by surrendering them to police or selling them to a licensed dealer within 24 hours.

And he also cannot "dissuade or prevent" anybody from attending a hearing or making a report to police.

But the order does not stop him from calling Rihanna. He can also see her up close and personal with no proximity issues.

The only restriction is this: "The protected persons (that would be Rihanna) may record any prohibited communications made by the restrained person." That would be Chris Brown.

This probably means texts too, man!

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/03/watch-what-you.html

Lawyer: Rihanna to testify against Brown if called

Rihanna's attorney says the singer would testify against Chris Brown if called as a witness in her boyfriend's assault case. Donald Etra, who is representing the 21-year-old Barbados native, said Friday that Rihanna would be required by law to testify if prosecutors subpoena her.

Etra appeared in court Thursday when Brown made his first appearance on charges of assaulting and making criminal threats to his superstar girlfriend. Brown's arraignment was postponed until April 6.

Etra said Rihanna did not want a "no contact" order issued against Brown, but that she will report any violations of an order prohibiting the 19-year-old singer from threatening, harassing or harming his girlfriend. A court order grants her the authority to record any violations of the order.

The order is not uncommon in cases where a victim says he or she doesn't want to completely cut off communication with a person, said Steve Cron, a Santa Monica criminal defense attorney who has represented celebrities such as Paula Poundstone and Scott Weiland.

"There are limits to when you can record phone calls and conversations," Cron said. "She can record those conversations if it's for the purpose of showing there's a violation of the restraining order."

Etra said Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, wants the case over with quickly. "She wants to get along with her life and career," he said.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8 stemming from an altercation that police say he had with Rihanna in a car in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood.

A search warrant affidavit filed by a Los Angeles police detective described a brutal fight in which Brown allegedly punched, bit and choked Rihanna until she nearly lost consciousness.

He issued a statement a week after the incident, saying he was "sorry and saddened" by what had happened. He politely answered a court commissioner's questions during his brief appearance Thursday, but did not speak to reporters afterward.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/fronts/ENTERTAINMENT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME

Chris Brown charged with assault on Rihanna

Singer Chris Brown was charged Thursday with felony assault and making criminal threats in what prosecutors say was a Grammy-eve attack on his girlfriend, the pop star Rihanna.

Brown, 19, appeared briefly in Los Angeles Superior Court but did not enter a plea to the charges. His arraignment was postponed until April 6.

Wearing a gray suit, white shirt and tie, the rising R&B singer stood emotionless, answering only "Yes ma'am" to the judge.

The judge issued an order barring Brown from "harassing, threatening or using force" against anyone. But the singer was not ordered to refrain from contact with Rihanna, with whom he reportedly has reconciled.

Los Angeles prosecutors said Brown attacked Rihanna, 21, late on the night before the February 8 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

He could face up to four years in prison if convicted. It was unclear whether Rihanna, who was not in court Thursday, would testify against him.

Both singers pulled out of scheduled performances at the February Grammys, and a photo of Rihanna's bruised and battered face was leaked onto the Internet.

"GREAT BODILY INJURY"

Barbados-born Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is identified in the complaint only as "Robyn F." She had not previously been identified by police as the victim.

The formal charges accuse Brown of assaulting Rihanna "by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury" and threatening to commit a crime "which would result in death and great bodily injury."

According to a search warrant affidavit filed by police detectives and released to the media Thursday, the couple argued in a car after Rihanna read a lengthy text message from another woman on Brown's phone.

According to the documents, Brown tried to push Rihanna from his rented Lamborghini but failed because she was wearing a seatbelt.

Brown then shoved Rihanna's head against the passenger window and repeatedly punched her in the face, spattering blood in the car and on her clothing and filling her mouth with blood, the affidavit said.

During the beating, Rihanna left a message for an assistant to have police waiting for the couple at home, prompting Brown to tell her: "You just did the stupidest thing ever. I'm going to kill you."

According to the documents, Brown continued to punch Rihanna, bit her ear and finger and put her into a headlock.

The charges were filed a week after Brown and Rihanna, who dated for about a year, were reported by celebrity magazines to be back together again.

Brown broke onto the Billboard charts in 2005 at the age of 16 with his single "Run It!" and sold 2 million copies of his self-titled debut album.

Rihanna also released her debut album in 2005 and had a number one hit single with "S.O.S" less than a year later. She followed with three more number ones: "Umbrella," "Take a Bow" and "Disturbia."

http://www.reuters.com/news/entertainment

DA: Chris Brown expected in court Thursday

Prosecutors say Chris Brown is expected in a Los Angeles court Thursday, despite that they have yet to file charges.

District Attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison said Wednesday that Brown is required to appear based on a date scheduled after his Feb. 8 arrest.

The 19-year-old R&B singer was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats after police say a woman identified him as her attacker. A person familiar with the incident but not authorized to speak publicly identified the woman as Brown's girlfriend, Rihanna.

Police presented their case weeks ago, but prosecutors asked for more information. Brown remains free on $50,000 bail. A call placed to his attorney, Mark Geragos, was not returned Wednesday afternoon.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/fronts/ENTERTAINMENT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME

Fans stunned by Rihanna-Chris Brown reconciliation

Fans of singers Chris Brown and Rihanna expressed dismay on Saturday at reports the couple had reunited just three weeks after Brown was alleged to have assaulted her.

Celebrity magazines People and Us Weekly said that the R&B stars were spending time together at the Miami home of hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs -- and that Rihanna's father was supporting her decision.

"I love my daughter with whatever road she takes. I'm behind her win or lose. I will be supportive. If that's the road she wants to choose, I'm behind her," Rihanna's dad Ronald Fenty told Us Weekly from his Barbados home.

Fans could scarcely believe the news that came a week after a picture, showing the 21-year-old "Umbrella" singer with bruises to her face and swollen lips, was leaked on the Internet.

"All the abusive men are celebrating," Highroller33138 wrote in a posting on the MTV.com website. "It sets a terrible example for women everywhere. Rihanna really disappointed me."

"Stupid, really stupid. ... I hate women like this," wrote ladyofthelake in a posting on TVGuide.com.

On Friday People quoted an unidentified source saying the couple, who had been dating for about a year, were back together.

"They care for each other. While Chris is reflective and saddened about what happened, he is really happy to be with the woman he loves," the source told People.

Representatives of Brown, 19, a clean-cut teen idol whose hits include "Run It!", declined comment on the reports. Rihanna's publicist did not return calls seeking comment.

Los Angeles prosecutors have yet to decide whether to file charges against Brown after his arrest on February 8 on suspicion of making criminal threats against a woman.

The alleged assault on the eve of the Grammy Awards caused both stars to cancel their scheduled appearances. Brown issued a statement a week after the incident saying he was "sorry and saddened" and seeking counseling.

http://www.reuters.com/news/entertainment

TMZ posts photo it claims is a beaten Rihanna

A photo that purportedly shows singer Rihanna's face with bruises, scratches and swelling from an attack allegedly at the hands of boyfriend-singer Chris Brown was posted Thursday night by the celebrity Web site TMZ.

The image shows welts on the woman's forehead above each of her eyebrows, marks on her cheek and around her lips and general swelling. TMZ did not say how it obtained the photo, when it was taken or by whom.

Asked whether it could confirm the photo's origin, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Jason Lee said only that the agency hasn't released any images of the woman who accused Brown, and will not release evidence photos. A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney said all evidence related to the case against Brown is still with police.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8 and booked on suspicion of making felony criminal threats to a woman that authorities have not publicly identified. A person familiar with the situation, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity, confirmed that the woman was Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty.

The person said some of the injuries shown in the photo — specifically the marks on the woman's forehead — were consistent with the injuries Rihanna sustained.

Prosecutors have asked police to provide more information before deciding whether to press charges against Brown. Police have said the 19-year-old singer could face domestic violence charges if prosecutors think they are appropriate.

The woman in the photo posted by TMZ has a tattoo of Roman numerals on her left shoulder; Rihanna was photographed by The Associated Press the night of the incident with a tattoo of the same numerals on the same shoulder.

TMZ had previously used its site to debunk a manipulated image that depicted Rihanna with a black eye.

No public statement has been issued on behalf of Rihanna, who turns 21 on Friday. Email and telephone messages left late Thursday with representatives for both Brown and Rihanna were not immediately returned.

Brown released a statement on Sunday, which read in part, "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired." The statement, which did not mention Rihanna, said that Brown was consulting with loved ones, his mother and pastor.

Brown's arrest came roughly 18 hours after he and Rihanna left a pre-Grammy party honoring music mogul Clive Davis. According to police, Brown and a woman were involved in an altercation in a car traveling through the upscale Hancock Park neighborhood shortly after midnight. Police have said the woman had visible injuries, and that Brown was gone from the scene when they arrived. - AP

Photo courtesy of TMZ.com.
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Chris Brown Speaks Out

ET has confirmed a statement by embattled R&B singer Chris Brown from his publicist:

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person.

"Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong.

"While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else.

"Those posts or writings under my name are frauds," the statement concludes.

The 19-year-old Brown allegedly attacked an unnamed woman the night before both he and reported girlfriend Rihanna were scheduled to perform on the Grammys last Sunday. Later, Rihanna reportedly checked into in Los Angeles hospital to tend to injuries. Brown was subsequently arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and released on $50,000 bail. He may face charges from the district attorney's office.

Feb. 16, 2009, 2:49 PM EST
Entertainment Tonight.