Monday, July 20, 2009
Chris Brown Apologizes for Rihanna Assault
For the first time, Chris Brown is speaking out publicly – and apologizing – for assaulting Rihanna earlier this year.
"Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out even though ever since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility," Brown says in a new video message posted to his official Web site. "I felt it was time [that] you hear directly from me that I am sorry."
"I cannot go into what happened, and most importantly am not going to sit here and make any excuses," Brown, 20, says in the message. "I take great pride in me being able to exercise self control, and what I did was inexcusable. I am very saddened and very ashamed of what I have done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that."
Last month, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in a plea bargain with prosecutors, sparring him jail time. As part of the deal, he'll be sentenced to five years probation and six months of community labor to be served in Virginia. He will also complete a year of domestic violence classes, and pay fines.
Brown is forbidden from phoning, e-mailing or texting Rihanna, and can't come within 50 yards of her (10 yards at music industry events) until his Aug. 5 sentencing, when the judge will consider Rihanna's request for a less-restrictive order.
"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," Brown continues.
In his two-minute message, the singer tells fans he has been doing some soul searching – and having conversations with his mother and preacher. "I have let a lot of people down, and I realize that," he says. "Nobody is more disappointed 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 can do," he says. "What I did was unacceptable 100 percent. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me – please."
In conclusion, he says, "I hope that others learn from my mistake. I intend to live my life so that I am truly worthy of the term 'role model.' "
"Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out even though ever since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility," Brown says in a new video message posted to his official Web site. "I felt it was time [that] you hear directly from me that I am sorry."
"I cannot go into what happened, and most importantly am not going to sit here and make any excuses," Brown, 20, says in the message. "I take great pride in me being able to exercise self control, and what I did was inexcusable. I am very saddened and very ashamed of what I have done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that."
Last month, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in a plea bargain with prosecutors, sparring him jail time. As part of the deal, he'll be sentenced to five years probation and six months of community labor to be served in Virginia. He will also complete a year of domestic violence classes, and pay fines.
Brown is forbidden from phoning, e-mailing or texting Rihanna, and can't come within 50 yards of her (10 yards at music industry events) until his Aug. 5 sentencing, when the judge will consider Rihanna's request for a less-restrictive order.
"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," Brown continues.
In his two-minute message, the singer tells fans he has been doing some soul searching – and having conversations with his mother and preacher. "I have let a lot of people down, and I realize that," he says. "Nobody is more disappointed 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 can do," he says. "What I did was unacceptable 100 percent. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me – please."
In conclusion, he says, "I hope that others learn from my mistake. I intend to live my life so that I am truly worthy of the term 'role model.' "
Chris Brown Apology Video
In a video that appeared online late Monday afternoon (July 20), Chris Brown has apologized publicly for the first time about the domestic altercation that took place between him and Rihanna earlier this year.
In the clip, obtained by MTV News, Brown, dressed in a red long-sleeve shirt with buttons on the front, spoke directly to the camera and apologized to his former girlfriend and his fans.
"I've told Rihanna countless times and I'm telling you today, I'm truly, truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," Brown said.
At the beginning of the two-minute clip, Brown explains that his attorneys advised him to not speak about the situation until the legal ramifications were settled. But Brown said that ever since the February incident, he's wanted to speak about the matter. The singer expressed his "deepest regret" over the fight and said he "accepts full responsibility" for the incident.
According to the police report, on the eve of the 2009 Grammy Awards, Brown and Rihanna engaged in an altercation that left the "Umbrella" star with facial contusions. Just last month, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault. The singer will attend anger-management courses, seek therapy and perform community labor as a result of his plea deal.
Toward the end of the apology, Brown continues to express remorse. The singer said up until the incident, he was living his life in a way that would make those around him proud. Through soul searching, he said, and help from his minister and mother, Brown intends to work on himself and gain forgiveness for his actions.
"I only can pray that you forgive me, please," he said to his fans.
In the clip, obtained by MTV News, Brown, dressed in a red long-sleeve shirt with buttons on the front, spoke directly to the camera and apologized to his former girlfriend and his fans.
"I've told Rihanna countless times and I'm telling you today, I'm truly, truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," Brown said.
At the beginning of the two-minute clip, Brown explains that his attorneys advised him to not speak about the situation until the legal ramifications were settled. But Brown said that ever since the February incident, he's wanted to speak about the matter. The singer expressed his "deepest regret" over the fight and said he "accepts full responsibility" for the incident.
According to the police report, on the eve of the 2009 Grammy Awards, Brown and Rihanna engaged in an altercation that left the "Umbrella" star with facial contusions. Just last month, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault. The singer will attend anger-management courses, seek therapy and perform community labor as a result of his plea deal.
Toward the end of the apology, Brown continues to express remorse. The singer said up until the incident, he was living his life in a way that would make those around him proud. Through soul searching, he said, and help from his minister and mother, Brown intends to work on himself and gain forgiveness for his actions.
"I only can pray that you forgive me, please," he said to his fans.
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