Chris Brown and Rihanna have been making headlines for more than a week now as a result of the alleged attack in which the 19-year-old R&B singer assaulted an unidentified woman broadly believed to be his star girlfriend.
Thus, while everybody is talking about the incident, fellow celebrities generally express their support for 20-year-old Rihanna, who has not opened up since the alleged attack took place.
Oprah Winfrey’s best friend Gayle King told “Extra” that the apology Chris Brown had made in a statement failed to shed a positive light on the young artist, whose admission of guilt she rejects. The magazine editor said that her “heart just aches for Rihanna.”
On the other hand, actress Gabrielle Union explained that she was doing her best not to take any sides, because she was acquainted with both stars. She did say, however, that “violence is never the answer” and that problems could be solved effortlessly by simply communicating.
Rapper Jay-Z told People magazine that Rihanna, whom he helped launch a music career, is going through tough times and that her age and lack of experience might actually aggravate the situation. Thus, in an attempt to convince media to be gentle on the singer, the hip-hop artist stood up for his pal. Akon, who collaborated with Rihanna on some projects, expressed his support and urged the singer to “keep things positive.”
Chris Brown released a statement on Sunday in which he apologized about the incident, explaining that he was “sorry and saddened.”
Chris Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on February 8 on suspicion of attacking a woman, but was subsequently discharged after posting a $50,000 bail. In spite of the fact that he was suspected of making a criminal threat, which represents a felony, the soul artist has not been charged by the district attorney’s office, as the alleged domestic violence case is still being examined.
The arrest reportedly came after a disturbing argument between Chris Brown and Rihanna, who started quarreling in a rented Lamborghini following a pre-Grammy Awards party. The row initially took place inside the vehicle, but the couple continued to fight outside as well, where several witnesses watched the alleged fracas.
Chris Brown hired a PR company that specializes on crisis management to issue a statement in which he explains that he is seeking counseling and that media reports have offered incorrect information. “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired,” the statement read. “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.”
In an interview with People magazine, Rihanna’s dad, Ronald Fenty, said that when he found out about the incident he could not believe it. He described his daughter’s condition by admitting the existence of “some bruising,” but added that “she will be all right.”
