TMZ has the now-released official police report detailing the night that Chris Brown brutally attacked then-girlfriend Rihanna in February. US Weekly released these officer notes back in March, and it looks like their story was accurate. The police version of the incident is consistent with many of the reports we heard from the press in the weeks following the attack. Brown smashed Rihanna’s face against the car window and punched her in the face repeatedly while he was driving. He also bit her ear, choked her until she almost lost consciousness and threatened to kill her. I got a little sick to my stomach reading that, so if you’re the squeamish sort you may want to skip it that link. Yesterday Brown was sentenced to serve five years of probation, during which he can have no contact with Rihanna, perform six months of community service, pay fines and take domestic violence education for a year.
US reports that Chris had two other domestic violence incidents with Rihanna before February. One in which he shoved Rihanna against a wall after she slapped him and another in which he broke the windows on his car in a rage:
According to a probation officer’s report filed with the court for Brown’s sentencing, the incidents “related to domestic violence.”
The first incident allegedly occurred in Europe three months earlier when Brown and Rihanna were in a “verbal dispute.” She slapped him, and Brown responded by shoving her into a wall, the report stated.
Just three weeks before his February arrest for beating and threatening his ex-girlfriend after the Grammy Awards, the former couple was in Rihanna’s native Barbados. While driving, they had an argument. According to the report, Brown got out and broke both the driver’s and front passenger side windows. No one was injured, and the incident was not reported to authorities.
Brown is a man with anger control issues who will need more than just probation and community service to realize the error of his ways. His apology was half-assed and too late and he seems more concerned with his public image than the woman he hurt. I hope that his career suffers greatly and that we don’t hear much more from this guy now that he’s been sentenced.
Chris Brown is shown on 8/13/09. Credit: Fame Pictures
Chris finally received his formal sentencing late Tuesday afternoon for his guilty plea in his February felony assault on Rihanna. As per his plea deal, Chris will not be serving a jail sentence. His formal sentencing includes: 1,400 hours (six months) of community service, a year of domestic violence classes, fines, and fives years of probation in which he can have no contact with Rihanna, including phone and e-mail contact. The last time Chris was supposed to be sentenced (earlier this month) he had a tentative deal to give another public apology, this time on Larry King Live. There was no such deal this time.
Chris Brown will spend 1,400 hours removing graffiti and washing cars for assaulting Rihanna.
Brown, 20, was formally sentenced in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday to six months of community labor in Virginia after he pleaded guilty in June to one count of felony assault against Rihanna, 21.
Brown’s six-month labor sentence will be supervised by the chief of police in Richmond, Va., who wrote to the judge that Brown would perform graffiti removal, cleaning and maintaining grounds, and washing cars.
The singer, who looked solemn and wore a black pinstripe suit and matching tie, was also sentenced to five years of probation, a year of domestic violence classes, and was ordered to pay fines. He was accompanied in the courtroom by his mother and at least one bodyguard.
As part of his plea bargain with prosecutors, a second felony charge of making criminal threats was dropped. Rihanna was not present for the hearing.
Donald Etra, an attorney for the “Umbrella” singer, had previously asked the judge for lesser restrictions on communication and contact between the two singers.
However, L.A. Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg ordered Brown not to have any communication with Rihanna for the next five years, which includes phone and email contact. Brown was also ordered not to come within 100 yards of Rihanna – 10 yards if they’re both at the same event.
Toward the end of the hearing, Judge Schnegg warned Brown, in an apparent reference to reports that the two singers may have had contact against court order: “I’m not immune to any chatter on the airwaves. Do you understand, Mr. Brown, that any violation of this order is a violation of your probation and it comes with the possible penalty of prison?” Brown responded “Yes.”
Last month, Brown publicly apologized for the incident, saying, “I have told Rihanna countless times, and I am telling you today, that I am truly sorry and that I wasn’t able to handle the situation both differently and better.”
I’m sure there will be some people who still debate what happened that night between Chris and Rihanna, and whether Chris is truly sorry. Personally, I wish he had gotten jail time, but I think the fact that Rihanna, as the victim, spoke out publicly and privately to the Los Angeles police and district attorney’s office was what saved him from doing time. Six months of community service is nothing to scoff at, and if Chris doesn’t comply to the very letter and spirit of his sentence, perhaps he will end up in jail.
Did Chris Brown’s video apology to his fans work its magic on the woman he brutally assaulted in February, Rihanna? According to the NY Post, the two music stars were holed up at Trump Tower together over the weekend. They’re said to have been careful to come and leave separately and not be photographed together. It wasn’t the first timethey’ve been together since the incident, but it was thought that Rihanna had moved on with Drake Graham. Graham, 22, has the approval of industry bigwigs looking out for Rihanna’s best interests like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Beyonce, according to the National Enquirer. Rihanna’s friends aren’t going to be happy to learn that she’s shacking up with Brown again, and there’s also the issue of that pesky restraining order, which stipulates that her abuser stay 50 yards away from her unless they’re at the same event. Rihanna requested through her lawyer that the restraining order not be issued, but the judge ultimately issued the order when Brown struck a bargain, pleading guilty in exchange for probation and 1,400 hours of community service.
Just days after Chris Brown publicly apologized for his February beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna, the two spent the weekend at the same luxury Midtown hotel under a cloak of secrecy, The Post has learned.
The pretty “Umbrella” singer and “Run It” crooner — who is barred from seeing his former squeeze by a restraining order issued in Los Angeles — checked into separate rooms at the Trump International Hotel & Tower on Friday, hotel sources said.
They spent the next two days coming and going in separate chauffeured vehicles from the underground garage of the 52-story Columbus Circle building.
The two appear to have taken great measures to avoid public exposure, including the use of decoy vehicles to throw off reporters and photographers. As of last night, the secretive performers hadn’t been seen together.
Neither Brown nor Rihanna had any public appearances or events to otherwise bring them to Manhattan, although London’s Daily Mail reported that Rihanna is shopping for a Big Apple pad.
Last night, The Post spotted Brown, 20, leaving the hotel for Harlem, where he ducked into a building at 135th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
A childhood friend whom Brown regularly visits lives there, said a barber who works in the building.
Rihanna’s car sped away around 10 p.m. last night, sources at the hotel said.
About an hour later, Brown returned from Harlem and checked out of the luxury digs. A member of his entourage told The Post it was because “she [Rihanna] checked in.”
At about 7 p.m. Friday night, Brown was seen leaving the hotel to go to the movies with friends, witnesses said.
Two hours later, Rihanna, 21, and at least seven friends left for the tony Philippe restaurant on East 60th Street, sources at the eatery said.
The good news is that Brown is violating his restraining order by seeing Rihanna. The Post reports that it could have serious consequences for him. “If Brown is found to have violated the order – even with Rihanna’s consent – he risks blowing his plea bargain and being charged with a misdemeanor.” Maybe this creep will get sent to jail for choking and beating his girlfriend.
There are rumors that Brown is trying to score a spot on Oprah on his long-overdue apology tour. Oprah isn’t having it, though, and her people are said to be refusing to let him on at all.
Meanwhile the truth expert at Eyes for Lies has analyzed Brown’s apology video. She states that it’s obvious from Brown’s demeanor and choice of words that he’s frustrated that he’s not back in the public’s good graces. Brown is also apologizing to his fans and not to Rihanna. Eyes notes that “Nowhere in the video does Brown address Rihanna publicly, which really makes his apology fall short… He may be genuinely sorry he kicked his career to the gutter because of his hot temper, but does this mean he really is sorry to the person he assaulted?”
*Note: The source article goes on to claim that this was the first time Rihanna and Chris have been together since February, but that’s not true. We’ve reported on at leasttwo separate incidents in which they reportedly spent the night together, and even People magazine claimed they reconciled after the attack.
Rihanna is shown out in London after the Inglourious Basterds premiere on 7/23/09. Chris Brown is shown on 6/6/09. Credit: WENN.com
It was back in February, a little more than five months ago, when Chris Brown attacked Rihanna as they drove home from a pre-Grammy party. All hell broke loose, and for weeks there was constant speculation as to the exact circumstances of the incident. A photograph of Rihanna’s injuries was leaked from the LAPD just days after the beating that show (in my mind) what happened that night – a young man beat the hell out of his young girlfriend.
Initially, Chris Brown released a lukewarm statement on the incident, saying that “words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired.” Chris said he was seeking counseling, and then went on to point out that “Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong.” Chris and Rihanna even spent time together after the incident, and it looked like she might forgive him or go back to him for a short while. Thankfully, someone must have talked some sense into her, because after a few weeks, Rihanna began steering clear of Chris.
Meanwhile, in the past few months, Chris’s actions and words seem to show that he wasn’t really sorry or concerned with learning any life lessons from the incident. In May, Chris made a video telling his fans and the world “We ain’t goin nowhere. Everybody that’s haters, they’ve just been haters. All my real fans, I love y’all. I aint a monster.” After Chris pled guilty and received five years probation, he seemed to celebrate by going on vacation and making the rounds on the party circuit with P. Diddy.
Perhaps Chris was concerned that his image may be permanently damaged by everything that’s transpired the past five months. Perhaps Chris really is sorry. In either case, Chris made a new video, this time giving a more soul-searching and in-depth apology. In the two minute video, posted first on TMZ, Chris does seem genuine and honest as he takes full responsibility for the incident that he now claims he’s “ashamed” of. Here’s the transcript of the statement:
“Hi, I’m Chris Brown. Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out, even though since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility.”
“Although I would do some interviews and answer some questions in the future, I felt it was time you heard directly from me that I am sorry. I have tried to live my life in a way that would make those around me proud of me, and until recently, I think I was doing a pretty good job. I wish I had the chance to live those few moments again, but unfortunately I can’t.”
“I cannot go into what happened, and most importantly, I’m not going to sit here and make any excuses. I take great pride in me being able to exercise self-control and what I did was inexcusable. I am very sad and very ashamed of what I’ve done.”
“My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that. I have told Rihanna countless times, and I’m telling you today that I am truly, truly sorry, and I wasn’t able to handle the situation both differently and better. I recognize that I’ve truly been blessed. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, wonderful friends and fans. God has been generous in giving me the ability which has brought me fame and fortune.”
“I have done a lot of soul-searching, and over the past several months I’ve talked with my minister and my mother, and I spent a lot of time trying to understand what happened and why. I have let a lot of people down, and I realize that.”
“No one is more disappointed than in me than I am. As many of you know, I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence and I saw firsthand what uncontrolled rage could do. I have sought and am continuing to seek help to ensure that what occurred in February can never happen again.”
“As I sit here today I can tell you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that it never happens again, and I promise that. What I did was unacceptable, 100 percent. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me, please. I hope that others learn from my mistakes. I intend to live my life so that I am truly worthy of the term ‘role model.’ Thank you.”
As I said, I do think the general emotion behind this is genuine. I do hope Chris is sorry, and I hope and pray he learns from his mistakes. I don’t think he’s learned the lesson yet though, for all of this “taking full responsibility” talk. I think Chris has learned from the incident that he can beat the hell out of his girlfriend and she’ll forgive him, many of his fans will forgive him, and he can walk away without going to jail. In child rearing, that’s considered positive reinforcement of negative behavior.
My greatest fear is that everyone will look at this video and say “Oh, okay, he really is sorry, let’s not make a big deal about this anymore.” It is a big deal, whether or not he’s contrite, whether or not that contrition is real or fake or private or public. What I’d like to hear from him is “I will never strike a woman again ever, in my life, so help me God, and if I ever break this promise, send me to jail and throw away the key.”
Chris Brown entered a guilty plea for felony assault yesterday and received five years probation for the brutal beating of his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in February. He was also ordered to complete 180 days of community service in his home state of Virginia and to undergo domestic violence counseling every week for nearly a year. Although Rihanna was in court in anticipation of being called to testify, the plea deal ensured that she was not called to the stand. The judge also issued an order of protection for Rihanna stipulating that Brown stay 50 yards away from her at all times, except at music events, when the distance was limited to 10 yards.
A repentant Chris Brown accepted a plea deal Monday from California prosecutors, avoiding jail time for beating up his ex-girlfriend Rihanna.
Brown, 20, fessed up to one count of felony assault stemming from the February attack…
“Guilty,” Brown said in a soft voice, standing in the packed courtroom with hands clasped behind his back.
[Brown] is expected to receive five years’ probation and be ordered to complete 180 days, or more than 1,400 hours, of community labor when sentenced Aug. 5. He must also undergo 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling.
Asked by Judge Patricia Schnegg if he understood the plea-bargain, Brown said, “Yes, ma’am.”
Wearing a gray plaid suit, a white shirt and a striped cream tie, Brown entered his plea as his mother, Joyce Hawkins, somberly watched from the courtroom gallery.
“I think it’s commendable you took responsibility for your conduct,” Schnegg told [Brown]
Schnegg encouraged Brown to take his counseling sessions seriously, saying, “I hope [it] will have some meaning for you.”
The plea deal allowed Rihanna, 21, to avoid testifying at the hearing, initially intended to determine if there was enough evidence to send Brown to trial.
The “Umbrella” singer made a brief appearance in the courtroom after Brown left. Schnegg told her that she was issuing a protection order barring Brown from coming closer than 50 yards, except at music industry
events, when he must stay 10 yards away from her.
“Thank you, Your Honor,” said Rihanna, wearing a short black dress and a pearl necklace.
Prosecutors informed [Rihanna] of the deal shortly before the hearing.
“We discussed the plea with the victim, and she concurred,” said Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
Brown started beating Rihanna after they left a pre-Grammy gala Feb. 8 in a rented Lamborghini.
“He [Brown] punched her in the left eye with his right hand,” a police affidavit stated and “continued to punch her in the face with his right hand while steering the vehicle with his left hand.”
We haven’t heard any kind of mea culpa or sincere apology from Brown and he has done absolutely nothing to show that he’s repentant at all for his severe attack on Rihanna. All he did was issue a kind of passive statement that he was “sorry… for what transpired” and record a video in which he called out people for being haters and claimed “I ain’t a monster.” Brown didn’t do a single act of public contrition, like visiting sick kids in the hospital or recording a public service message – about anything, not necessarily domestic violence. I hope his community service is backbreaking, and I hope he gets arrogant and entitled as expected, doesn’t complete his probation requirements and gets sent to jail.
Brown is shown outside of court yesterday. Credit: Horizon Pix/Fame Pictures. Court sketches thanks to MavrixOnline.
In about an hour and a half Rihanna is scheduled to take the stand against ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. It’s been rumored for months that she’d find some way out of it (or flat-out refuse), but Rihanna’s lawyer has insisted all along that she’ll be there. There have also been rumors that the prosecution and defense made some kind of last minute agreement, but apparently that’s untrue, and it sounds like court proceedings will go ahead as planned.
The stage is set for an explosive court hearing in Los Angeles Monday afternoon as pop diva Rihanna publically comes face-to-face with R&B singer Chris Brown, her ex-boyfriend accused of badly beating her last February. The big question remains — will Rihanna take the stand Monday at Brown’s preliminary hearing to recount the events the night of their alleged altercation? It’s expected that she will testify, and Rihanna’s lawyer tells RadarOnline.com that the subpoenaed singer will “comply and answer the questions” asked of her in court Monday.
At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, the judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to order Brown to stand trial or to dimiss [sic] the case altogether. Brown has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges (assault and making criminal threats) prosecutors said he committed against the Umbrella singer in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles after a pre-Grammy night soiree on February 8.
In response to rumors that prosecutors and Brown’s attorneys had reached an an eleventh-hour accord, Rihanna’s attorney told RadarOnline.com that he believes the court proceedings will take place Monday. “There is no deal on the table that I’m aware of,” Donald Etra told RadarOnline.com Sunday evening. “Rihanna is under subpoena to testify, and she will be there [Monday] afternoon.”
…Media frenzy is expected to hit an all-time high for Monday’s proceedings: 52 outlets have requested access to Monday’s session, a number the LA Times reported trumps other high-profile celebrity court incidents, including Paris Hilton’s 2007 incarceration, Britney Spears’ divorce or Lindsay Lohan’s DUI case. “I’ve never seen this kind of interest, and I’ve been here seven years,” Court spokesman Allan Parachini told the LA Times.
It’ll be interesting to see what’s released and how quickly. Of those 52 media outlets who have requested access, none of them will be allowed to film the proceedings. Presumably live audio recordings will be allowed since that’s almost always the case, but I’m finding conflicting reports on that so we’ll have to wait and see.
I can’t imagine what Rihanna must be going through right now, but I’m guessing that more than anything, she just wants this to be over with. Chris Brown’s lawyers have done a great job of dragging this out as long as possible. Though initially a lot of people were disappointed in Rihanna for getting back together with Brown, she ultimately made the right decision and broke up with him. Since this is just a preliminary court hearing Rihanna will likely have to go before the court again. Tough as it is, that’s ultimately what we want to see, because that means Brown hasn’t gotten a deal. This is just one step in the process, but it still brings her a little closer to being done with the ordeal.
Here’s Rihanna visiting the Hand and Foot Spa at Carol’s Daughter in Harlem on Wednesday. Images thanks to WENN.com .
A little over a month ago, people started to notice that Rihanna was spending a lot of time with a “mystery man” who turned out to be Aubrey “Drake” Graham, child actor and star of Degrassi who is trying to make it as a rapper. Rihanna and Drake met when they signed on to work on a single together. In May, after they had been spotted partying and making out, Drake denied the rumors that he was dating Rihanna. Only two weeks later, though, his tune had changed a bit. He once again claimed that they weren’t dating. But when the interviewer asked him specifically about reports of them making out in public, he responded, “Whatever. We’re young, having fun and enjoying life. That’s all.”
He told DJ Semtex, “I’m actually writing for Rihanna right now. I guess I’m living a dream. I enjoy a challenge. I’ve never in my mind felt like, ‘Oh, I could probably write something crazy for Rihanna.’ That wasn’t my first thought. But being put up to the task, we’re coming up with some special stuff. It’s crazy, man. All I could do is smile. It’s nice.”
With rumor swirling around lately that Rihanna was making out with Drake at a club, of course Drake was asked whether or not they were dating. “Out here? Yeah, it’s just work. Me and Rihanna are just me and Rihanna. We’re cool and she’s great, man. She’s a great person, definitely.”
When asked about the claims that the two were spotted locking lips he said, “Whatever. We’re young, having fun and enjoying life. That’s all.”
So at last check they might be hooking up, but they weren’t dating. Fair enough, both of them can do what they want, and Rihanna certainly deserves a little loving. But now the New York Post is reporting that the two are officially dating, but just trying to keep it on the DL.
Rihanna is stepping out with her new man. The singer, who dropped Chris Brown after he allegedly beat her up, is now dating hip-hop artist Drake. The couple went to the after-party for the movie “Year One” on the Empire Hotel roof Monday. “She and Drake were attached at the hip,” said our source. After that, the duo went to Greenhouse on Varick Street and sat in the VIP area. “They are definitely together, but really trying to be discreet,” said our tipster. Rihanna’s rep didn’t return e-mails.
What with the humiliating and painful public breakup Rihanna had to go through after her altercation with Chris Brown, it’s no surprise that she would want to keep a new relationship quiet. She’s still having to deal with the aftermath of her previous relationship, in terms of legal issues as well as possible nude photos and a suspected sex tape. It’s a lot for her to have to deal with, and you have to give Aubrey kudos for supporting her. He always seemed like such a sweet kid when he was working on Degrassi, and it’s good to see that he’s having success breaking into the music business as an adult. He and Rihanna may not be officially girlfriend/boyfriend, but they look like they could be headed there. It’s nice to hear that Rihanna is happy again.
Rihanna is shown outside her hotel in Manhattan last night, 6/17/09. Is she leaning on her friend because she can’t walk in those boots? Credit: WENN.com. Aubrey Graham is shown out, also in NY, on 6/11/09. Credit: INFphoto.com
Despite worries and rumors that she would refuse to testify, Rihanna has been subpoenaed to appear at ex-boyfriend Chris Brown’s trial on Tuesday. And Rihanna’s lawyer says she will testify, answer questions, and do whatever else is required of her.
Los Angeles prosecutors have subpoenaed Rihanna to appear in court to testify in the assault case against Chris Brown, her lawyer tells PEOPLE.
The “Umbrella” singer, 21, was served in person Tuesday in Los Angeles with the subpoena for the June 22 hearing in Superior Court, her lawyer Donald Etra confirms.
Brown, 20, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts following his alleged Feb. 8 assault on Rihanna.
“Rihanna was served at my office by L.A. DA investigators,” Etra says. “If the preliminary hearing indeed goes forward, she is now legally required to be there, she will be there, and will answer all questions truthfully.”
The purpose of the hearing is to determine if there’s enough evidence to bind Brown over to trial. Rihanna will also be subject to cross-examination by Brown’s attorney Mark Geragos. The case could end any time with a plea deal, making the hearing unnecessary.
“Rihanna’s testimony can make or break the case,” says L.A. criminal defense attorney Jeffery Rubenstein, who’s not involved with the case. “Her willingness to testify and be truthful about what happened is a step closer to convicting Brown. On the other hand, if prosecutors fail to present a case, Geragos can seek to dismiss or reduce the charges on the spot.”
I think everyone is relieved that Rihanna has seemingly moved on from Brown – for about a billion reasons. One being that it obviously would have been hard to get her to testify if she were still dating him. Everyone had assumed Chris would plead out by now, and it is sort of strange that he hasn’t. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because there’s so much attention on the case thus the D.A. is under a lot of pressure to prosecute. Because if it weren’t for that, this seems like the kind of case they’d plea out pretty quickly. First offense, young-ish offender, etc.
Frankly I’d like to see him do as much time as possible, but there is absolutely nothing about the justice system that rehabilitates domestic abusers. Of course you could make that argument for most criminals, but I would say it’s especially true in this case. It just gives them time to stew over whatever they’re pissed about and be on the receiving end themselves – which you’d think would teach them a lesson but generally doesn’t.
Hopefully this will be a good step for Rihanna though, and help her get closer to moving on with her life. I doubt she’ll ever really feel “over it.” But knowing she stood up for herself will make it a hell of a lot easier to be proud and carry on every day.
Here’s Rihanna arriving at JFK to catch a flight out of New York City today. Images thanks to INF Photo.
Two weeks ago much-maligned Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the alleged subject of the movie The Devil Wears Prada, had an interview with Mike Wallace that aired on “60 Minutes.” Wintour seemed haughty and made some obnoxious statements. The most offensive thing Wintour said was cut from her “60 Minutes” segment, but details leaked online. Wintour admitted that she asked Oprah to lose weight ahead of her Vogue cover in 1998, and she also claimed “most” residents of the state of Minnesota are fat, saying “on a trip to Minnesota…I can only kindly describe most of the people I saw as little houses.” If the nasty harpy thinks it’s “kind” to call people “little houses” you have to wonder the lengths she’ll stoop to when she’s actually trying to be mean.
This week’s Star Magazine has a story that Wintour was considering putting singer Rihanna on the cover of Vogue, which would be significant because she hardly ever chooses African American celebrities and models to grace the sainted cover. Rihanna got the cold shoulder from Wintour, though, after her nude photos were leaked online:
It could have been Rihanna’s shining moment: the cover of Vogue! But when the nude pictures hit cyberspace, her once-in-a-lifetime chance was gone in a flash. Rihanna and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour had been talking for weeks about doing the cover and an inside spread, says a close friend of the singer, who adds that the two even chatted about it at the Met Costume Institute Gala on May 4. “Anna told her Vogue absolutely loves her and really wanted to work with her. Rihanna was ecstatic!” But since the photos came out, says the friend, “Anna hasn’t returned any of her calls. Rihanna’s so upset!”
[From Star Magazine, print edition, June 8, 2009]
The rest of the Star article is all about how Rihanna supposedly wants revenge on Chris Brown for leaking those nude photos of her, and we mentioned this briefly in an earlier story about Rihanna’s upcoming appearance in court. If the photos cost Rihanna the coveted cover of Vogue she’s got even more reason to want to get back at Brown. Let’s hope that translates to Rihanna giving compelling, damning testimony in the felony assault case against Brown.
Rihanna is expected to receive a subpeona to appear in court on June 22 for a preliminary hearing the felony assault case against her ex boyfriend, singer Chris Brown. Brown will also be present at the hearing. It will be up the to District Attorney whether Rihanna will be called to testify. Brown brutally beat Rihanna in an incident in early February. A leaked photo of Rihanna’s injuries showed two contusions on her head, two black eyes, and a bloodied mouth. Brown’s attorney is said to hope to call for a mistrial based on that photo showing police misconduct, but the judge isn’t looking kindly on his efforts to get access to police records to prove his case:
Rihanna is among the witnesses whom prosecutors plan to call during a hearing in Chris Brown’s assault case, an attorney said Thursday.
Donald Etra, Rihanna’s lawyer, told reporters that prosecutors have told him the Barbados-born singer will receive a subpoena to testify at a preliminary hearing June 22. The hearing will focus on whether there is enough evidence to continue the case against Brown.
Etra said Rihanna will comply with the order. It would mark her first appearance in court since felony assault and criminal threats charges were filed against Brown in March.
If she is called to testify, the 21-year-old singer would be subject to cross-examination by Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos.
Other potential witnesses have not been named, but will likely include police investigators.
Brown was arrested in February on suspicion of hitting and choking Rihanna in a rented car hours before the couple were scheduled to appear at the Grammys.
Etra wouldn’t address their relationship now, but said Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was following the case closely.
A judge on Thursday rejected a motion by Geragos to receive police and investigative records related to the case and the apparent leak of a photo of a beaten and bruised Rihanna.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told Geragos the motion was premature and he could file it again after the preliminary hearing.
Brown wasn’t in court Thursday, but he’s required to attend the preliminary hearing. The 20-year-old R&B singer faces possible sentences that range from probation to nearly five years in prison if convicted.
Geragos argued that he should have access to the records to properly cross-examine police witnesses during the preliminary hearing. He also said intense public interest in the case should require the records’ release.
Schnegg said Brown’s fame wasn’t an issue she was going to consider. She also called Geragos’ motion “a fishing expedition.”
She also said the records, which Geragos wants to use to search for police bias or misconduct, don’t have anything to do with Brown’s arrest. She said officers responded to a 911 call and the “Run It!” singer was arrested well before the photo of Rihanna’s battered face was posted by celebrity gossip Web site TMZ.
The last we heard from Brown he released an obnoxious home video plugging his album and defiantly dismissing people for paying attention to this case. In our coverage of this, I missed another video that Brown made with his buddy in which he denied that he had a black eye and said “All the blog sites are liars.” (Reading this transcript I thought he meant that he didn’t give Rihanna a black eye, but he clearly points to his own eye in the video and the title is “Chris Brown does not have a black eye!”)
All the blog sites are liars. You guys lie. No black eye [points to own eye] I just want to say ‘What up’ because I ain’t been out there in a minute [...] We ain’t going nowhere. Everybody that’s haters, they just been haters. All my real fans, I love you all. I ain’t a monster
I hope the judge takes Brown’s attitude into consideration in sentencing. He made a huge mistake making that video. He was probably thinking that he was showing that he’s fine and still working, but he’s really making it clear that he has no remorse or regret for his awful actions.
Rihanna has clearly moved on. She was seen out on what looked like a date with Drake, a rapper and Canadian actor who appeared on Degrassi: The Next Generation, on May 18. According to the latest Star Magazine, Rihanna is furious about the nude photos of her that leaked earlier this month, and she knows that Brown is behind it. She is said to want revenge. Maybe she’ll get it on the witness stand and maybe Brown will spend some time behind bars for his horrific act.
Rihanna is shown at an event on 5/6/09 (Credit: Fame Pictures) and out in NY on 5/22/09 (Credit: WENN.com)
