Rihanna Breaks Silence, Assures Fans She’s “Doing Well” Via Reps
Twelve days after being involved in an altercation with boyfriend Chris Brown that reportedly left her with “horrific” injuries, Rihanna broke her silence and issued a statement through her representatives, People reports. “At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown,” reads the statement. “She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time.”
Last night, a photo depicting Rihanna’s facial injuries that was allegedly taken at the crime scene leaked onto TMZ. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the picture’s release, which angered Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, as well as LAPD investigators, who called “the unauthorized release” of the image “serious misconduct.” The statement from Rihanna’s reps aimed to sooth fans distressed by the graphic photo; it comes five days after the Chris Brown camp issued its first official words: “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired.” Neither party directly referenced the alleged assault; Brown was arrested on February 8th and released on $50,000 bail after he was identified as the aggressor in a domestic disturbance in Los Angeles. He is currently under investigation for felonies including domestic violence, assault resulting in great bodily injury and, according to E!, attempted murder.
Prior to today’s statement, Rihanna’s publicist had only told reporters, “Rihanna is well. Thank you for concern and support.” That comment came on Grammy night, as artists and the press learned the “Disturbia” singer and Brown had both pulled out of the Awards at the last minute; their dispute occurred in the early-morning hours following Clive Davis’ annual Grammy party at the Beverly Hilton, where the pair were photographed together (track the pair’s appearances on Grammy Weekend here). Aside from the leaked evidence photo, the first shots of Rihanna were snapped last night as the singer headed to an L.A. area airport, TMZ reports.
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• Chris Brown’s Fall: Can the R&B Star’s Career Survive Rihanna Arrest?
• Sources Open Up About Chris Brown and Rihanna’s Rocky Relationship, Grammy Weekend
• Report: Rihanna Suffered “Horrific” Injuries