Abuse was not Rihanna’s fault
Rihanna attended a Glamour magazine's Women of the Year Awards (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
R&B singers Rihanna and Chris Brown recently appeared on television interviews to discuss the fight that occurred between them.
I’m referring to the fight in February that left Rihanna’s face bloodied and bruised while Brown received probation and a community service sentence.
Rihanna appeared on “Good Morning America” and “20/20″ to discuss the altercation, and Brown was on MTV apologizing for his actions.
Meanwhile, members of Brown’s camp, including his friends and dancers have been using their Twitter pages to insinuate Rihanna is lying.
His backup dancer posted the following tweet: “I wish dancers can speak about things that really go on. I can not believe this. Let me just say Chris Brown was pushed to the extreme. Her people made her do this interview for two reasons–album sales and to try an kill Chris’ career.”
I’ve written numerous blog posts about the Brown and Rihanna incident, and I have been disturbed by the number of emails and comments I’ve received from readers who tell me “Rihanna deserved to be beaten up,” or ”It was Rihanna’s fault” or ”Rihanna brought it on herself.”
Before you make those types of statements, think about this. What if your mother was bloodied and beaten by her boyfriend? Would you say your mother deserved it?… What if your sister was bloodied and beaten up by her boyfriend? Would you say your sister deserved it?
Placing the blame on Rihanna is not productive. It’s not the victim’s fault. No one deserves to be beaten in that manner.
We’ve all seen the photos that were leaked to the press that show Rihanna’s face battered, bloodied and swollen. She didn’t deserve that, and she is not to blame.
Brown has apologized for his behavior, and he was given his punishment by the court. Is he sincere? Only God and Brown know the answer to that question.
Chris Brown discusses Rihanna incident on MTV
Rihanna opens up on 20/20 about Chris Brown (part four)
Throughout the week, ABC aired briefs excerpts of Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer. The final part of the interview aired Friday on 20/20.
Rihanna discusses the specifics of the Chris Brown assault. She also discusses how she grew up watching her mother being abused by her father.
The clips are posted below.
Rihanna opens up about Chris Brown (part 2)
(AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Part two of Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer aired Friday on “Good Morning America.”
The singer went into more details about the fight with her then-boyfriend Chris Brown.
During the interview, Rihanna said “There was no person when I looked at him. He had no soul in his eyes. Just blank.”
Rihanna said she (while she was being beaten) she wondered when it was going be over with.
“That’s all I kept thinking the whole time, ’When is it going to stop? When is it going to stop?’
Rihanna also said she still loves and cares about Chris, and she wants him to have a successful life and career.
Rihanna said the incident started when she questioned him about text message that he recieved from a woman.
Watch the video clip below to hear more of what Rihanna had to say. The third and final part of the interview will air tonight on ABC’s 20/20.
Rihanna opens up about Chris Brown (part one)
A portion of Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer aired on “Good Morning America” on Thursday.
Rihanna discussed the incident that occurred with her then-boyfriend Chris Brown.
Rihanna said “I fell in love with that person. That’s embarrassing. That’s embarrassing that that’s the type of person that I fell in love with. So far in love. So unconditional, that I went back.”
“I’m a human being, and people put me on a very unrealistic pedestal. All these expectations. I’m not perfect.”
Rihanna also insinuated she went back to Brown eight or nine times before she left for good.
Watch the video clip below to hear what else Rihanna had to say about the incident. Part two of the interview will air Friday.
Rihanna will be on “Good Morning America”
R&B singer Rihanna has been silent since the infamous incident with Chris Brown. Now, it appears she’s ready to tell her side of the story.
Rihanna will appear on “Good Morning America” on Thursday (Nov. 5) on ABC. Based on the previews, it looks like Rihanna will discuss the Chris Brown fiasco.
The short preview is posted in the clip below.
Oprah Winfrey accused of double standard
When Chris Brown was accused of asaulting Rihanna earlier this year, Oprah Winfrey used her talk show to make critcal comments about Brown and domestic violence (and rightfully so).
Earlier this year, gospel singer BeBe Winans was arrested on a domestic assault complaint accused of pushing his ex-wife Debra Winans to the ground.
However, Oprah didn’t make critical comments about BeBe. In fact, BeBe was invited to appear on the show to promote his new CD with his sister CeCe Winans.
During an interview with TMZ, BeBe’s ex-wife Debra said she felt hurt when Oprah allowed BeBe to appear on her show especially after she was critical of Chris Brown.
No one really knows what occurred during the incident between BeBe and his ex-wife. Everything is he said/she said. But with Chris Brown and Rihanna, we’ve all seen the photos of Rihanna’s battered and bruised face. Maybe that’s why Oprah was more harsh toward Chris.
Should BeBe Winans have been allowed to appear on Oprah’s show? Is it a double standard? Let me know in the comments section below.
Rihanna will perform on cruise ship
Rihanna performed during Conde Nast's Fashion Rocks show in 2008. (AP Photo by Jeff Christensen)
If you’ve ever taken a cruise vacation, I’m sure you’ve heard the mediocre amateur singers try to belt out tunes on stage during the nightly shows.
But Royal Caribbean will get a big-name performer next month for its Oasis of the Seas cruise ship.
R&B singer Rihanna will perform a concert on the ship Nov. 19 during the three-day cruise. Oasis of the Seas is the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Rihanna’s new CD titled “Rated R” will be in stores Nov. 23.
Britney Spears, Rihanna, Shakira, Adam Lambert, Susan Boyle releasing albums in same week
The last week of November will be a showdown among five popular musicians.
Britney Spears, Rihanna, Shakira, Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle will release new albums the week of Nov. 23 vying for the number one spot.
Rihanna’s album “Rated R” will likely debut at number one. This is the singer’s first album since the infamous Chris Brown incident.
Everyone is rooting for Rihanna to come back on top. Plus, her new song “Russian Roulette” has caused a little controversy because of the lyrical content. We all know controversy sells.
Britney Spears’ “The Singles Collection” will probably debut at number two.
Although its a greatest hits CD, the lip-synching performer is still enormously popular. Fans who attended her recent Circus Tour will probably flock to stores to purchase the greatest hits package.
I predict Adam Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment” will debut in the number three position. Although he didn’t win the ”American Idol” title, he still has a huge fan base. It won’t be enough to overtake Rihanna and Britney, but it’s big enough for third place.
Shakira’s “She Wolf” album will probably take the number four spot, despite that semi-annoying song with the same title.
No one can forget when Susan Boyle shocked the world while she belted out “I Dreamed a Dream” on “Britain’s Got Talent.”
Her CD “I Dreamed a Dream” will likely debut at number five.
She will definitely dominate the charts in Europe, but she doesn’t do much promotion in the U.S.
Rihanna’s new song: Russian Roulette
Rihanna attended a premiere of the film "Inglourious Basterds" in London. (AP Photo by Lefteris Pitarakis)
R&B singer Rihanna’s new CD will be in stores Nov. 23. The CD will be titled “Rated R.”
The first single is titled “Russian Roulette,” which was written by fellow R&B singer Ne-Yo.
This is the first time Rihanna has released new music since the infamous altercation with Chris Brown.
Click here to listen to her “Russian Roulette” song.
Chris Brown hurt by Oprah’s comments
Chris Brown is very disappointed with Oprah Winfrey.
Earlier this year, Oprah did a show about domestic abuse, and she said the show was inspired by the incident in which Brown beat up his girlfriend Rihanna.
During a recent interview with People magazine, Brown said “I commend Oprah on being like, ‘This is a problem, but it was a slap in my face. I did a lot of stuff for her, like going to Africa and performing for her school. She could have been more helpful, like, ‘Okay, I’m going to help both of these people out.’”
Oprah’s publicist later released a statement to TMZ that said “Oprah is very appreciative that Chris Brown performed at her school but she takes domestic abuse very seriously. She hopes he gets the counseling he needs.”
Sorry Chris. Just because you helped Oprah in Africa, that doesn’t mean she’s going to support you after you beat up your girlfriend.
Chris Brown interview clip with Larry King
R&B singer Chris Brown taped an interview with Larry King on CNN. The full interview will air Sept. 2 on the network.
Brown appeared on the show with his attorney Mark Geragos and his mother Joyce Hawkins.
A brief exerpt video from the interview is posted below.
Chris Brown and Rihanna: A history of violence
R&B singers Chris Brown and Rihanna’s fight during the infamous incident that occurred Feb. 8 was apparently nothing new to them.
The former celebrity power couple had a history of violence in their relationship.
Last December, Rihanna reportedly slapped Brown in Europe, and Brown shoved her into a wall, according to Brown’s probation report.
Another incident occurred in January, where the couple began arguing in a vehicle, when Brown became angry and broke out the windows.
The public only knows about these three incidents, but I’m sure there were more violent episodes during their relationship.
Click here to the read the police report from the Feb. 8 incident.
Chris Brown and Rihanna police report released
Chris Brown appears in court Aug. 25 with his attorney Mark Geragos. (AP photo)
Authorities released the police report regarding the incident where R&B singer Chris Brown beat up his then-girlfriend R&B singer Rihanna.
The police report is posted below, but beware, it contains graphic descriptions of what occurred during the fight.
The reason I decided to post the police report is to make everyone aware that domestic violence is an issue that needs to be discussed instead of sweeping it under the rug.
It affects people from all socioeconomic statuses, including celebrities. In the police report Rihanna is referred to as Robyn F. because that’s here real name.
Read the report below.
“Chris Brown and Robyn F (aka Rihanna) have been involved in a dating relations for approx 1 and half year. On Sunday Feb 8 at 25 hours Brown was driving a vehicle with Robyn F as the front passenger on an unknown street in Los Angeles. Robyn F picked brown,s cellular phone and picked up a three-page text message from a woman Brown had had a previous relationship with.
“A verbal argument ensued and Brown pulled a vehicle over in an unknown street. Reach over Robyn F with his right hand and open the car door and attempted to force her out. Brown was unable to force Robyn F out of the vehicle because she was wearing a seat belt. When he could not force her to exit he took his right hand and shoved her head against the passenger window of the vehcile causing an approx 1 inch raised circular contusion.
“Robyn F turned to face Brown and punched her in the left eye with right hand. He then drove away in the vehicle and continued to punch her in the face with his right hand while steering the vehicle with his left hand. The assault caused Robyn F Osmouth to fill with blood and blood to splatter all over her clothing and the interior of the vehicle. Brown looked at Robyn F and stated “I am going to beat the s–t out of you when we get home! You wait and see!?
“Robyn F picked her cellular phone and called her personal assistant Jennifer Rosales. Rosales did not answer the telephone but while her vm greeting was playing Robyn F pretended to talk to her and stated “I am on my way home. Make sure the cops are there when I get there? (this statement was made while greeting was playing and was not captured) after Robyn f faked the call, Brown and looked at her and stated, ‘You just did the stupidest thing ever! Now I really am going to kill you.’
“Brown resumed punching Robyn F and she interlocked her fingers behind her head and brought her elbows forward to protect her face. She then bent over at the waist placing her elbows and face near her lap and in attempt to protect her face and head from the barrage of punches being levied by Brown.
Brown continued to punch Robyn F on her left arm and hands, causing her to suffer a contusion on her left triceps that was approx 2 inches in diameter and numerous contusions on her left hand. Robyn f attempted to send another text message to other personal assistant Melissa Ford.
Brown snatched the cellular telephone out of her hand and threw it out of the window to an unknown street. Brown continued driving and Robyn F observed his cellular phone in his lap. She picked up the cellular phone with her left hand, and before she could make a call, he placed her in a head lock with right hand and continued to drive the vehicle with his left hand.
“Brown held Robyn F close to him and bit her on her left hear. She was able to feel the vehicle swerving from right to left as Brown sped away. He stopped the vehicle in front of [address] and Robyn F turned off the car removed the key from inignition and sat on it.
Brown did not know what she did with the key and began punching her in the face and arms. Brown began applying pressure to Robyn F left and right carotid arteries causing her to be unable to breath. She began to lose consciousness.
She reached up with her left hand and began to attempting to gauge his eyes in attempt to flee herself. Brown bit her left ring and middle fingers and released her. While brown continued to punch her she turned around a place her back to against the passenger door. She brought her knees to her chest and placed her feet against Brown,s body and began pushing him away.
“Brown continued to punch her on legs and feet causing several contusions. Robyn F began screaming for help. And Brown exited the vehicle and walked away. A resident in the neighbor heard Robyn F,s plea for help and called 911, causing a police response. An investigation was conducted and Robyn F was issued a domestic violence protective order (EPO).
Affiant conducted an interview with Melissa Ford who advised on Feb. 8 2009 at 2500 hours she received a phone call from Robyn F from an unknown telephone number later identified as the telephone number of Officer Chavez. Robyn F had advised Ford that she had been assaulted by Brown. At approx at 1 am Brown called Ford as nothing happened.
Ford advised Brown that she had already talked to Robyn F and was aware of what happened. Ford had advised brown that the neighbors had called police and that they were with Robyn F. Brown had asked Ford if Robyn F had provided police with his name. And Ford advised him that she had. Brown hung up the telephone and did not call back.
“On Feb. 8, Brown turned himself in and was given a copy of the EPO and advised to not contact Robyn. On Feb. 17 Ford advised the affiant that she had received text messages from … a number that Ford recognized as belonging to Brown. In the text message Brown apologized for what he had done to Robyn F. and advised Ford he was going to get help.”
Chris Brown apologizes for the Rihanna incident
R&B singer Chris Brown issued a videotaped apology to his fans about the incident that occurred in February when he beat up his girlfriend singer Rihanna.
The video was posted on Brown’s Web site.
Brown says he’s learned from his mistakes, and says he’s apologized to Rihanna several times. He said he wanted to issue a public statement sooner, but his attorney’s wouldn’t let him.
I’ve written numerous posts about the Chris Brown and Rihanna altercation. Now that Brown has apologized, this will probably be my last post, regarding their altercation
Before I end it, there is something I want to discuss.
I was disturbed by the number of emails and comments I’ve received from readers who tell me “Rihanna deserved to be beaten up. It was Rihanna’s fault. Rihanna brought it on herself.”
Before you make those malicious statements, think about this. What if your mother was bloodied and beaten up by her boyfriend? Would you say your mother deserved it?… What if your sister was bloodied and beaten up by her boyfriend? Would you say your sister deserved it?
In the video, Brown appears to be remorseful. I believe he’s truly sorry and will not make the same mistake again. Yes, it’s time to move on. But placing the blame on Rihanna is not productive. It’s not the victim’s fault.
Brown’s apology is posted in the video clip below.
Tim Henley
Chris Brown pleaded not guilty
Chris Brown pleaded not guilty April 6 to felony assault charges in a Los Angeles County courtroom.
The R&B singer entered the plea while standing next to his famed attorney Mark Geragos. Brown is accused of beating up his girlfriend singer Rihanna earlier this year.
Rihanna was not present during the courtroom proceeding. Brown’s next court date is April 29.
Click here more celebrity headlines.
Tim Henley
Chris Brown and Rihanna re-enactment
The teen organization DoSomething.org released a public service announcement video aimed at educating teens about dating violence.
Using details from the police report, the Web site created a re-enactment video of the Chris Brown and Rihanna fight that took place.
The re-enactment is posted below.
Rihanna hung out with Beyonce, Jay Z and Brandy
Some celebrity friends are helping Rihanna learn to laugh again and forget about her problems with Chris Brown.
Rihanna was spotted hanging out with singer Brandy, and they later met Jay Z and Beyonce for dinner at a restaurant.
The photos are posted below courtesy of Splash News Online.
Chris Brown charged with two felonies
R&B singer Chris Brown was charged today (March 5) with felony count of assault and a felony count of making a criminal threat in connection with the fight he had with his girfriend Rihanna.
He appeared in court along with his attorney Mark Geragos and requested a new arraignment date. His next court date will be April 6.
Click here to read the official report about what happened during the fight with Rihanna.
Usher criticizes Chris Brown
R&B singer Usher is sounding off on the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation.
During the weekend, Brown and Rihanna reunited in Miami Beach at Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ beach house to work out their issues.
Paparazzi shot photos of Brown enjoying a jet skiing excursion on the beach.
In a video posted as part of Jermaine Dupri’s “Living The Life” series, Usher said “I’m a little disappointed in this photo. Come on Chris. Have a little bit of remorse man. The man’s on jet skis? Like, just relaxing in Miami.”
I agree with Usher’s comments. It was in poor taste of Chris Brown to be enjoying himself in tropical paradise after the photos surfaced of Rihanna’s abused face at the hands of Brown.
He should show more remorse. Most abusers don’t get to relax on jet skis in Miami Beach.
Also, P. Diddy should be ashamed of himself for letting Brown use his beach house for the weekend. Thousands of people are accused of abuse each year. Is Diddy going to let them all use his beach house too?
Or did he just let Brown use it because he’s a famous abuser?
Tim Henley
Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together
People magazine is reporting that Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together.
According to the magazine, they are spending some time together at Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ home in Miami Beach.
This is probably true, but I hope it’s false. If those two end up reconciling, I predict it will turn into Bobby Brown/Whitney Houston type of relationship.
Even if they are back together, the district attorney still has the option of filing charges against Brown.
Tim Henley
Kanye West wants people to cut Chris Brown some slack
Rapper and wannabe singer Kanye West believes we should cut Chris Brown some slack regarding the alleged fight with his ex-girlfriend R&B singer Rihanna.
Watch the clip below to find out what he said.
Chris Brown takes anger management classes
Chris Brown is apparently trying to put a positive spin on his shattered image.
The R&B singer recently began attending anger management classes in Glendale, California, according to the New York Daily News.
He is due in court March 5, and this will probably look good to the judge if Brown shows that he took anger management classes.
Maybe the judge will go easy on him for allegedly beating up his girlfriend Rihanna.
After seeing those Rihanna abuse photos, he’s probably going to need 10 years worth of anger management therapy before he’s completely cured.
Click here to watch The Celebrity Minute.
Tim Henley
Photos of Rihanna’s injuries after attack by Chris Brown
TMZ published the first police photos that shows the injuries and bruises that singer Rihanna suffered during an alleged incident with her then boyfriend R&B singer Chris Brown.
Brown was arrested Feb. 8 accused of assaulting Rihanna.
As you can see, she has two black eyes, two bumps on her forehead and bloody swollen lips.
After seeing the photos , I am no longer a Chris Brown fan, and I will NEVER support his entertainment career again.
The photos are very disturbing. The only reason I am posting them is because everyone needs to understand how cruel domestic violence is. This issue is real and should not be swept under the rug.
Just because someone is a famous talented entertainer, that doesn’t mean they should be able to get away with abuse.
These photos likely will spark outrage, and that’s a good thing. Maybe people will start pressuring their politicians to pass tougher penalties for abusers.
Close-up pictures are posted below.
Tim Henley
Rihanna’s father speaks about the Chris Brown incident
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Rihanna’s father spoke to People Magazine about the incident that occurred between his daughter and Chris Brown but he didn’t offer specific details.
Brown was arrested last week accused of assaulting his girlfriend singer Rihanna.
During the interview, Rihanna’s father Ronald Fenty said “You think you know somebody, but you really don’t. There is some bruising. She will be all right. I think so. At some point, she will speak out. I hope she will stand up for women all over the world.”
On a side note, I’ve been browsing some entertainment Web sites, and several readers left disturbing comments suggesting that Rihanna is to blame because she probably provoked Chris Brown.
While everyone is definitely entitled to their own opinion, it’s important that we keep in mind Rihanna is the victim.
She is NOT the perpetrator, and she shouldn’t be blamed for this unfortunate incident.
Tim Henley
