- Boxer Challenges Chris Brown to Fight Some people want to challenge R&B star Chris Brown to a fight.
Anthony Geisler, President of LA Boxing , has started a Facebook group called " I Want to Fight Chris Brown " with a message that challenges Brown to "step into the ring against him and see what it’s like to face a real opponent."
Brown was arrested earlier this month for threatening a woman who accused him of assaulting her. That woman is believed to have been his girlfriend, pop star Rihanna.
According to the Facebook page, Geisler sent a letter to Brown on Feb. 13 with his request, and as of Feb. 18, Brown has not responded.
The group currently has 1,886 members. Another Facebook member has created a group called " People against the group 'I Want to Fight Chris Brown' " in hopes of lifting "a generation out of this cycle of violence."
http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/entertainment/dpgo_Boxer_Challenges_Chris_Brown_to_Fight2193549
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown Included In MTV Australia Awards Noms Beyonce, Lady GaGa, Flo Rida, Pink and Kings of Leon are in the running for the coveted best video trophy at the Vodafone MTV Australia Awards, nominations for which were unveiled Thursday (Feb. 19). Chris Brown has two nominations.
Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" will battle it out with Pink's "So What" and King of Leon's "Sex On Fire" (all Sony Music Entertainment), "Low" by Flo Rida feat. T-Pain's (Warner Music) and Lady GaGa's "Poker Face" (Universal Music).
Beyonce is one of eight artists to garner a pair of nominations for this year's gala. The other double-nominees are Australian acts the Presets, Jessica Mauboy and Sneaky Sound System, New Zealander Ladyhawke and American artists Kings of Leon, Lady GaGa and Chris Brown.
Brown's good fortune is sure to raise some eyebrows. The singer, who is facing allegations Stateside that he assaulted his girlfriend Rihanna before the Grammy Awards, is up for best moves and best collaboration for his team-up with Jordin Sparks on "No Air" (Sony Music).
Las Vegas pop-rockers the Killers are the first confirmed performers for the event, which will take place March 27 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"The Vodafone MTV Australia Awards will be all about the music," comments Rebecca Batties, GM of music brands at MTV Networks Australia and New Zealand in a statement, "and these nominations reflect MTV's commitment to showcasing heavyweight international acts alongside the stellar homegrown talent that Australia and New Zealand have to offer."
Australian viewers will decide all eight award categories, while MTV fans in New Zealand can cast votes on the ninth, the "best Kiwi" award. Voting begins Feb. 23 online and via text messaging.
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i8f6bf92e292731581d113a6f689cd00bLabels: chris brown, news
- Rihanna Leaves Barbados, to Build Case Against Chris Brown Rihanna is no longer in Barbados, a source tells E! News. Already leaving her hometown where she's been spending time with family and friends soon after she was involved in an alleged fight with Chris Brown on February 8, the songstress currently has no scheduled public appearances and "is staying under the radar," E! News claims further.
In related news, it has been reported that Rihanna is torn over her parents' pleas to build case against Chris. Though she's been told by her family not to worry about the consequences of a jail term on Chris' career, still Rihanna finds it hard to cooperate with the police.
"I mean, damn, her eye's black and the sides of her face are all f----d up, but she keeps saying she still loves him," a friend of the singer reportedly tells US Weekly. The friend, moreover, informs that Rihanna has visited a doctor on Friday, February 13 "because of the endless headaches she's been having since Chris hit her." And "the doctors were concerned about the contusions on the sides of her head," the friend adds. "She hums sometimes, but she's more quiet than I've ever seen her."
Personal life aside, Chris Brown's alleged attack on Rihanna is claimed to have affected the sales of their albums. Generating public sympathy, Rihanna has the sales of her album "Good Girl Gone Bad" rising up to 30%, selling another 25,000 copies, whereas Chris' set "Exclusive" fails to make its way to the Hot 200.
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00022150.htmlLabels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Roseanne blasts Chris Brown
Most of Hollywood has been keeping quiet on the Chris Brown scandal, but not Roseanne.
While the actress has been off the radar for a few years, she has now returned with a blast, labelling the singer a 'sleazy bastard'.
It follows the alleged bashing of Brown's girlfriend Rihanna which reportedly left her with a split lip and bruised face.
Roseanne has written a blog, saying Chris Brown's lies and excuses 'make me want to beat the crap out of him'.
She also says she hopes he goes to jail for ten years and warns the girls of Hollywood that they could also fall victim if they don't start condemning women-haters.
Labels: chris brown, news
- Rihanna "Torn" About Testifying Against Chris Rihanna might still be recovering from an alleged assault at the hands of her singer ex-boyfriend, but she's reportedly "torn" about whether to help cops build a case against Chris Brown.
"I mean, damn, her eye's black and the sides of her face are all f----d up," a friend of the singer told Us Weekly for its upcoming issue, the New York Daily News reported. "But she keeps on saying she still loves him."
Brown, 19, allegedly abused the pop-princess on Grammy night, but, according to the Us article, Rihanna is resisting her family's pleas to cooperate with police. Brown was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats and released on $50,000 bail, but police are said to be gathering more evidence for the district attorney to bring more serious charges.
According to the magazine, Rihanna's relatives in her native Barbados are reportedly pleading with her not to worry about how jail time might affect Brown's career.
Family members also told Us that Rihanna is listless and suffering from headaches associated with the alleged assault, and that doctors are "concerned about contusions on the sides of her head."
"She hums sometimes, but she's more quiet than I've ever seen her," an friend told the magazine.
A Chicago Sun Times story, however, suggests that Rihanna is still seething over the incident despite any lingering feelings for Brown. The paper quotes an unnamed friend of Rihanna who says the singer is "royally pissed off" by what she calls Brown's ''cavalier and arrogant statement."
Though her camp declined to officially comment on Brown's apology someone close to the singer told the Sun Times that she was "appalled" by the non-apology.
"All of us, including Rihanna, don't understand how he can say he's sorry on the one hand, but still ... does not admit any guilt," the source told the Sun Times, adding, "He should have expressed more contrition."
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/entertainment/NATLPS-Rihanna-torn-over-snitching-on-chris-brown.html
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Chris Brown Hires Mel Gibson Rep
The star hires a top publicist to deal with the fall out from his alleged fight with Rihanna…
Chris Brown has employed Mel Gibson’s PR-man to help save his career after his arrest last week.
Alan Nierob advised Lethal Weapon star Gibson after he made anti-Semitic remarks in 2006 and was charged with driving under the influence.
Now the publicist has another hard job on his hands rescuing the Forever singer’s reputation.
Brown has been charged with making criminal threats after an alleged assault on his girlfriend Rihanna on February 9.
He recently released a statement saying: “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired.
"I am seeking the counselling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person."
http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/475343-chris-brown-hires-mel-gibson-rep
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown Inspires Local Domestic Violence Action
Tonight, a “summit” on a new “domestic violence prevention campaign” will be held at the Union Temple Church at 1225 W St. SE. The summit, put on by the Ward 4 Education Council, “EZ Street” of Radio-One WKYS, Union Temple youth leaders, and WEAVE (Woman Empowered against Violence) is inspired by two recent events: First, the Chris Brown and Rihanna blowup in Los Angeles! Second, that whole hair-pulling melee at Cardozo High School, which actually occurred within the District limits. The meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. The full presser:
STUDENTS, PARENTS, WOMEN AND MEN OF ALL AGES
Ward 4 Education Council and EZ Street of Radio-One WKYS Union Temple Youth Leader’s MPD along with WEAVE have come together to create:
The “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN”.
The summit will be held at Union Temple Church 1225 W St S.E. Tuesday February 17, 2009 7:00pm
Countless tragedies that occur in our homes, schools and workplace and we are holding this summit for everyone to address their concerns and issues with those who can tell you how to get out before it’s to late. This summit will help break the cycle of violence by giving a voice in the fight against Domestic Violence.
The DC Commission for Women today denounced the recent spate of violence involving young women, both nationally and right here in our community. We are saddened by the alleged attack on the young singer Rihanna by her boyfriend, the singer Chris Brown, and are even more disappointed by the number of young women residents of the District of Columbia expressing their views that she deserved to be beaten on local radio call-in shows discussing the situation. Cherita Whiting, Ward 4 Commissioner for the Commission for Women and Chairperson of the Ward 4 Education Council commented, “With teen violence in the District of Columbia the highest in the country, it is particularly unacceptable for these young girls to believe there is anything anyone could have done to make Mr. Brown’s behavior okay.”
This, combined with the violence between girls that occurred this week at the District’s Cardozo High School are cause for serious concern about the realities of teen and intimate partner violence. More than a dozen students (mostly girls) were injured and 16 people were arrested as a result of the fighting at Cardozo.
We applaud the companies, shows and radio stations that have pulled Chris Brown’s endorsements, appearances and songs and strongly urge others to do the same. Domestic violence, teen violence, sexual abuse and stalking are serious issues that must be dealt with as such. DC Commission for Women Chair Reta Lewis stated today “if we have women and young girls in this town that think there’s anything she [Rihanna] could have done to deserve this, something must be done to educate DC residents on the issue of teen dating violence.” The Commission urges everyone to reach out to the following organizations if they are in need of help or want to learn more about these issues:
“WEAVE” (Woman Empowered against Violence) will hold sessions for privacy for all to speak in private with counselors.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Chris_Brown_Inspires_Local_Domestic_Violence_Action.html
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Fans Continue To React Strongly To Alleged Chris Brown/ Rihanna Altercation
Fans continued to react strongly to the alleged altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna in the hours after MTV News' special, "Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love in Trouble," aired on Monday. Brown was arrested on February 8 on a criminal-threat charge; while no public statement has been made, many media reports have identified Rihanna as the victim.
For the show, MTV News gathered music-industry figures, relationship experts and a forum of young people to talk about the matter.
"To all you guys who are mad at the press for putting Chris and Rih out there like that ... and not the other people who got into fights, it's because Chris and Rih are role models," musicalfeet commented. "But hey, they're still normal people and everyone can't be perfect."
Although Brown apologized over the weekend for the incident (without addressing Rihanna), some fans felt that they need more answers before they can come to any conclusions. "What people need to start doing is stop judging," speakdatruth21 wrote. "And wait until the facts are released!"
"Everybody makes mistakes, and mistakes are sometimes what u can learn from. I think Chris Brown acted in a way people shouldn't," henney209 wrote. "Rihanna should move on. I feel bad about the situation. ... I guess celebs are humans like us."
Although many fans were surprised by the amount of coverage the story is getting, some like tash176 pointed out that once people are famous, their lives become an open book. "Once you are a celebrity, you are everyone's business. They know that going in," tash176 wrote. "However I don't support Chris Brown anymore ... Rihanna isn't my favorite but she did not deserve to be beaten."
Amid all the angry posts, one commenter, OpusVonD, pointed out that covering such issues with a celebrity angle helps bring light to the issue of domestic violence.
"How can we improve our next generation if we let things like these [go] unpunished and unnoticed?" OpusVonD wrote. "We must take a solid stand on unethical behavior regardless who the artist, the singer, the punker, the [politician] may be. Are we just multiplying in the world like ants? We are better than that. Trust me."
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605195/20090217/brown__chris__18_.jhtml
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown Hires Crisis PR Firm Embattled R&B singer Chris Brown has hired the Los Angeles based crisis management PR firm of Sitrick & Company, as he attempts to counter a wave of bad press following his alleged altercation with his ex-girlfriend, pop star Rihanna, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Sitrick is considered an expert in navigating celebs through negative publicity because of unseemly situations stars may find themselves in. Chris Brown's statement on Sunday was issued on behalf of Sitrick & Company, the first time the company has ever issued anything involving Brown. RadarOnline.com contacted p.r. brass at Sitrick, but was told they could not comment on when Brown retained them.
Sitrick wrote in his book, "Spin: How to Turn The Power of the Press to Your Advantage," 'Correcting a problem is necessary, but alas, rarely sufficient; that is where the spin comes in." Sitrick may attempt to spin the tragic events of that night, but the best p.r. professional probably won't be able to save Chris Brown from the person that seems to be hurting him most, Chris Brown.
Michael Sitrick, whom reportedly charges $695 an hour, is well known for handling high profiles celebs when they find themselves on the wrong side of the headlines. From Halle Berry's alleged hit-and-run mishap, Rush Limbaugh's oxy-contin scandal to Kim Basinger's bankruptcy, Sitrick's client roster reads like a dossier of by-gone scandals.
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/02/chris-brown-hires-crisis-pr-firm.phpLabels: chris brown, news
- Rihanna disappointed by Chris Brown fake apology Apparently Gayle King isn't the only one upset with Chris Brown's apology. MediaTakeOut.com caught wind that Rihanna is upset also.
Here's how the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting it:While stating he was "sorry and saddened ... over what transpired," Brown did not declare any remorse or give any details about the couple's Feb. 8 confrontation.
''All of us, including Rihanna, don't understand how he can say he's sorry on the one hand, but still ... does not admit any guilt,'' said the source, adding, "He should have expressed more contrition."
In Los Angeles, a close Rihanna associate -- in daily contact with her -- told this column Monday the entertainer is ''royally pissed off" by what Rihanna calls Brown's ''cavalier and arrogant statement.''
http://www.mediatakeout.com/2009/30708-rihanna_is_reportedly_disappointed_by_chris_browns_fake_apology.htmlLabels: chris brown, news
- Top 40 stations pull Chris Brown
After reading my blog about Chris Brown's statement regarding the early morning of Feb. 8 when he allegedly attacked girlfriend Rihanna, one of my former Billboard colleagues informed me that a smattering of stations have, indeed, yanked Brown's music off the air.
According to radio trade magazine Radio & Records , WAKS in Cleveland has pulled Brown's music until further notice. Similarly, two other Top 40 stations, WNOU in Indianapolis and WXKB in Ft. Myers, Fla., have also stopped playing Brown. These stations tell R&R they are following the lead of their listeners, who have told the stations to cool it on Brown.
WNOU program director Tim "Rayne" Rainey told R&R : "We let the listeners [of WNOU] decide if we should continue to play Chris Brown's music, and 52% of them said we should suspend his music until his legal matter is resolved. Many callers, victims of domestic abuse themselves, felt it was the most appropriate thing to do. We are encouraging our listeners to speak out against domestic violence. Domestic abuse is never the answer. Seeking help and treatment is a practice we encourage."
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- 'Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love In Trouble' Looks For Answers
Chris Brown and Rihanna have dominated headlines for the past week, ever since Brown turned himself in to authorities for allegedly assaulting the Barbadian singer following a pre-Grammy event in Los Angeles on February 7. And though Brown finally broke his silence on Sunday with a statement saying he is "sorry and saddened" about the incident, many questions still remain about what went down.
How will this affect these superstars' careers? What will Brown do next to help himself if the allegations are true? And will Rihanna emerge as a victim or a symbol of strength to her many fans? On Monday (February 16), MTV News' special, "Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love in Trouble" went to music-industry experts, relationship experts and fans for the answers.
"They were like Beyoncé and Jay-Z for the junior set," Us Weekly's Ian Drew explained, capturing the image of the two singers that most previously held.
The Associated Press' Alicia Quarles said the pair were once "music's new royalty," but Brown will have a tougher time overcoming the incident because the alleged victim is a celebrity in her own right.
"Maybe the public could forgive him if we didn't know who [the victim] was," she told MTV News. But Quarles predicted that, to many of Brown's fans, the act will be seen as "unforgivable."
All week, a number of fans on message boards battled over who was to blame for the incident. And in the fan forum held by MTV for "Love in Trouble," Chandra Bonner, 19, from New York, said Rihanna would be "stupid" to return to Brown. "He can go to counseling by himself," she said.
"It's ridiculously hard to deal with this in the public eye, because people have to deal with it in the court of law — Rihanna and Chris have to deal with it in the court of law — and they have to deal with the court of public opinion," PR expert Howard Bragman told MTV News.
The Fader magazine's Julianne Shepherd expressed sympathy for the difficult path Rihanna will have to take to resurface from seclusion.
"I think it must be incredibly humiliating, that kind of experience," she said. "So it might take her a while to get back in the public eye. Especially to have your domestic problems out there on this level — everyone in the world knows them, is following every detail. It's going to be really hard for her."
Brown is due back in court next month to be arraigned. His biological father spoke to People magazine and said his son is remorseful over what happened and wants to know that Rihanna is doing "okay." Rihanna's father also spoke to People and suggested that his daughter "move on" from the relationship.
Dr. Michelle Callahan, who spoke to the audience during "Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love in Trouble," said that teens in relationships on rocky paths should pay attention to the warning signs. She explained identifying the behavior often happens when it's too late. Violence doesn't have to be the telltale sign, she said. Abuse is "any time there's fighting, restraining a person, jealousy, or control issues," she said. "A lot of stuff passes that we think is OK until a punch gets thrown, but it's not."
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605167/20090216/story.jhtml
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Jessica Alba on Rihanna, Chris Brown allegations: 'universal problem' "The Vagina Monologues" creator Eve Ensler's annual V-Day luncheon in Los Angeles was focused on violence toward women in the Congo.
But Jessica Alba and Kerry Washington, two celeb supporters of the international organization that has — since 1998 — raised more than $60 million to stop global violence against women, also spoke about the recent Hollywood drama about Rihanna's alleged assault by boyfriend Chris Brown.
"When things happen publicly, it just makes it a more universal problem that more people can relate to," Jessica Alba told the Associated Press.
"Whether it's about the Congo or about celebrities, domestic violence is a social illness that does not discriminate," Kerry Washington told the Dish Rag. "We have to start talking more openly about this."
Eve referred to Rihanna's alleged assault and the shooting deaths of three members of Jennifer Hudson's family last year, telling the audience, "All these women are our sisters."
We spoke to Eve about the large number of reader comments on the Dish Rag blog implying that Rihanna may have been to blame for the alleged attack.
Are there socio-economic or racial divides regarding acceptable violence against women?
"I don't believe it's a cultural thing," Ensler said. "In every community in the world, one out of three women are beaten or raped. I've seen justification for it in every community in the world. The climate will exist until we shift the mindset of violence against women being unacceptable and not normal. We are still living in a world where the victim — the woman — is blamed. It's not a cultural thing. Violence against women keeps patriarchy and its oppression and domination in its place. It keeps a structure where men and women can't live in their full selves. It's in every social strata and in every section of society."
Maria Shriver told all the luncheon guests, including Maria Bello, Charlize Theron, Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway, Rosario Dawson, Glamour magazine's Cindi Leive, ex-Paramount head Sherry Lansing and producer Paula Wagner:"Violence goes on in the best of homes and in poor areas — particularly in times of struggle. Let's all go out and change one boy, man today."
What do you think? Does our culture still tend to blame the victim? Why are so many readers still supporting Chris Brown and so ready to forgive?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/02/vagina-monologu.html
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown Counselled By Pastor
Chris Brown is undergoing counselling from his Pastor following a week of headlines after bashing his celebrity girlfriend (now ex) Rihanna.
The popstar yesterday issued a statement to say he was sorry for what he had done and tells fans that he is “seeking the counselling of my pastor”.
Brown bashed Rihanna after a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles a week ago. She suffered bruising on the face and a cut lip. The injuries meant she had to cancel a high profile performance on the Grammy Awards that evening.
Brown handed himself into police the next day and was later released on $50,000 bail.
Tabloids went wild with allegations during the past week, one stating that Brown has made a derogatory comment about Rihanna on Facebook after the incident. “I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook,” Brown stated. “Those posts or writing under my name are frauds”.
Rihanna is yet to comment on the incident but her father Ronald Fenty has said that the relationship is now over.
http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=7630
Labels: chris brown, news
- Gayle King Rejects Chris Brown's Apology
This just in: Oprah's professional best friend and former Hartford anchor Gayle King has rejected Chris Brown's apology.
"I can't think of anything that makes me support anything that Chris Brown is saying at this time. And my heart just aches for Rihanna," she told the microphones from "Extra."She apparently wasn't told that Brown was apologizing to her exactly. King was one of a number of celebrities from Gabrielle Union, Akn and Eliza Dushku asked about this development at the NBA All-Star Game.
Apparently they weren't also asked about the economic bailout
http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2009/02/gayle-king-rejects-chris-brown.htmlLabels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown Sorry About Arrest
In a statement he released, R&B singer Chris Brown revealed he was sorry and saddened about having been arrested for assault and for having made criminal threats, under the suspicion that he had attacked a woman last Sunday morning.
Moreover, the 19-year-old singer said that he was undergoing counseling by his pastor and his family, pledging to become a better person with God’s help and guidance.
Last week-end, he was released on bail following his arrest, while both he and his girlfriend Rihanna bowed out of the Grammy Awards ceremony.
Ever since the media got wind of the incident, all outlets have been speculating that Rihanna had been Brown’s victim.
Speaking of the postings on the Internet that were prompted by him having been arrested by the Los Angeles police, Chris Brown said that they had all been frauds.
LA police stated that Brown and an unidentified woman had got into an argument in a parked car in the Hancock Park area of the city, adding that when the two had stepped out of the car, the squabble had aggravated.
The night before the Grammy Awards, Chris Brown and Rihanna attended a party, whereas afterwards, neither of them showed up for the ceremony held on February 8, although they had both been scheduled to perform during the event.
Friday, the rumors concerning Brown and Rihanna intensified as celebrity gossip Web site Mediatakeout.com revealed that the former had changed his relationship status on his Facebook profile from „in a relationship” to „single.”
In addition, the R&B singer posted an update Thursday on his private Facebook page, which stated that people would begin to see her true colors, a statement that everybody thought to have been about Rihanna.
About the above-mentioned, Brown said that they had all been frauds posted under his name.
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Chris_Brown_Sorry_About_Arrest_35047.htmlLabels: chris brown, news
- Director Still Wants Chris Brown To Star In Film Anne Lu - Celebrity News Service News Writer
Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Chris Brown's music career might be in danger after allegedly assaulting girlfriend Rihanna, but his film career is still intact. Writer/director Melvin James says the R&B star will still be starring in his film as originally planned.
He told Life & Style magazine, "Chris' current situation hasn't had any effect on things in terms of the film. We're still planning on working with him."
"We're looking to shoot around September. We got pushed back a little because of other projects."
Brown will play male lead Cali who has a love story with the title character, Caramel.
James continued, "Caramel is a modern-day version of the film American Graffiti. It's a coming-of-age story about young people, their music, their cars, and there's a love story in there."
After the Rihanna-hitting scandal last weekend, the 20-year-old "Run It!" hitmaker was dropped by his "Got Milk" and Wrigley gum ads.
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown says he's sorry 'for what transpired' Singer Chris Brown broke his silence Sunday, a week after allegedly attacking his girlfriend, fellow performer Rihanna, on a street in Los Angeles, California.
"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired," the 19-year-old said in a statement released by his spokesman. "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."
He added, "Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds."
Police are investigating the incident.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said Wednesday the office needed more information before deciding on whether to charge Brown.
Brown was arrested February 8 -- the day of the Grammy Awards, where he was scheduled to perform -- and booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, the spokeswoman said.
Brown, who did not appear at the awards show, was released from jail that night on $50,000 bail and given a March 5 court date.
Brown's lawyer did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Police said Brown and a woman were in a vehicle near Hollywood's Hancock Park early February 8 when they became involved in an argument.
The woman "suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker," police said.
Police did not identify the woman, but sources close to the couple told CNN the alleged victim was his girlfriend, the 20-year-old singer Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
She has made no public comment. Her spokesman issued only a short statement on the evening of February 8, when she canceled her performance at that night's Grammy Awards. "Rihanna is well," her spokesman said at the time. "Thank you for concern and support."
Police have refused media requests to hear the 911 call that led to their investigation.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/15/chris.brown/Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Rihanna dumps Chris Brown
The faithful Umbrella singer initially wanted to stand by the disgraced R&B star after he allegedly attacked her before the Grammys in LA last Sunday.
The chart-topper went into hiding after suffering a bloody nose, swollen lip and facial bruising, as Chris was arrested.
But the Barbados-born star has now decided to listen to good advice from her family and close friends (oh, and me too), who all begged her: “Dump him NOW!”
My source explained: “Rihanna really did think that Chris was the love of her life. But when everyone started to question their relationship, she burst into tears and reluctantly agreed that they were right. She just can’t believe it’s ended this way.”
And last night Chris’s dad Clinton, 44, spoke out for the first time since his son was arrested.
He claimed Chris is wracked with guilt over the alleged beating: “Chris is reflecting on this situation,” Clinton said. “He’s very remorseful. We all have our shortcomings. We all trip.”
But after hearing that Rih, 20, won’t be taking him back, I hear cruel Chris, 19, has started a whispering campaign to discredit his ex-girlfriend.
“Chris and his camp won’t take this lying down,” an LA music source informed me. “He’s told friends that Rihanna’s true colours will soon come out.”
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/xs/177517/Rihanna-dumps-Chris-Brown-Celeb-XS.html
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown: single and snarky After almost a week as the topic of incessant chatter about his alleged assault of girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown has broken his silence. On his Facebook page, the 19-year-old rapper has changed his relationship status to single and posted the quote: "You'll begin to see her true colors. Believe it!" The New York Post reported there was nothing on the page making it clear he was talking about Rihanna.
Brown turned himself in to police Sunday and was booked on a felony charge of making criminal threats. According to Los Angeles police, the case could be handed over to the district attorney's office early next week, at which time prosecutors could charge Brown with more crimes.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090214/ENT07/902140305/1046/Chris+Brown++single+and+snarky
Labels: chris brown, news
- Paris Hilton blasts Chris Brown 'lies'
Paris Hilton has responded angrily to claims that she flirted with Chris Brown on the night of his alleged bust-up with girlfriend Rihanna.
R&B star Brown was arrested on suspicion of assault last weekend following an apparent altercation with the 'Disturbia' singer.
Leona Lewis became implicated in the controversy earlier this week amid allegations that Rihanna "flew into a rage" after seeing her boyfriend chatting to the X Factor winner at a pre-Grammys bash. However, the star later denied any involvement.
Reports have also claimed that Hilton sparked the alleged incident by flirting with Brown at the same party.
However, speaking to Radar Online, the heiress insisted: "That's ridiculous and an outright lie. I was not 'all over him' as some magazine reported. I said 'hello' and that was it. I love Rihanna and that never happened."
Rihanna cancelled an appearance at the Grammy Awards following claims that she had suffered "horrific" injuries.
http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a146721/paris-hilton-blasts-chris-brown-lies.html
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown 'Remorseful' Over Rihanna Altercation
Chris Brown's biological father, Clinton Brown, has spoken out about the singer's alleged assault on girlfriend Rihanna - insisting his son is "very remorseful".
The Run It hitmaker has not been seen publicly since he handed himself in to police after officers responded to a phone call at around 12.30am on Sunday morning from an unnamed woman - believed to be Rihanna - who accused him of hurting her.
The S.O.S. singer, 20, reportedly suffered two "huge contusions" on both sides of her forehead, a bloody lip and bloody nose.
And Brown Snr. - a corrections officer - says the 19-year-old is at home, reflective and filled with concern.
"He's home. He needed some time to get his thoughts together and regroup," Clinton told People magazine Friday. "He's reflecting on this situation.
"He's very remorseful. He's very concerned about the situation and he wants to make sure that [Rihanna's] okay.
"This is unfortunate, this stumble, this situation," Brown continues. "Hopefully, he will get past it. We all have our shortcomings. We all trip."
"If you are on his side, you are on his side," he added. "Just because someone trips, if you are truly a fan, you are not going to demonize him instantaneously.
"This music industry is very unforgiving when it comes to having indiscretions.
"He will continue to be a good person. He loves people. And like most of us, most humans, things will occur. And hopefully a person won't be judged simply on that alone.
"As a father, I couldn't be more proud … He's the light of my life.
"I think he's [going to] grow as an individual. He's going to take from this situation and learn from it."
http://www.showbizspy.com/article/182117/chris-brown-remorseful-over-rihanna-altercation
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Stars stay hush on Rihanna, Brown at NAACP Awards To no one's surprise, neither Rihanna or Chris Brown, who were each nominated at the 40th NAACP Image Awards, attended the ceremony Thursday night at the Shrine Auditorium. Brown and Rihanna canceled appearances at Sunday's Grammy Awards after news broke about Brown's involvement in an assault on a woman the previous night. Police have not identified the woman, but Brown, 19, was seen leaving a pre-Grammy gala Saturday with Rihanna, 20, before the suspected assault.
Few stars wanted to weigh in on the controversy. Sean Combs, a winner for his role in the TV miniseries A Raisin in the Sun, had a terse, "No comment," about the situation.
Others, like Sean Patrick Thomas, wanted to give Brown the benefit of the doubt. "I just know what you hear on TMZ or other garbage like that. I don't know the facts yet and I don't think anybody does."
Keshia Knight Pulliam, of Tyler Perry's House of Payne and The Cosby Show, said, "I don't condone violence against women in any form or fashion, but at the end of the day, you're innocent until proven guilty. None of us really know what those circumstances were because we weren't there."
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-02-13-naacp-awards_N.htm
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- MTV To Air 'Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love In Trouble,' Monday At 6 P.M.
With "Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love in Trouble," MTV News will take an in-depth look at the allegations of domestic violence that Chris Brown faces after an alleged altercation with Rihanna last weekend. For the special, which airs Monday, February 16, at 6 p.m. ET/PT, MTV News has gathered journalists, industry professionals and other experts — as well as an in-studio audience of young fans — to provide insight and commentary about what the incident means for both artists' careers and lives, and society in general.
The special will take a look at the couple's year-long relationship and will also examine the influence the alleged domestic violence between Brown's former stepfather and mother may have had on him.
"Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love in Trouble" will also look at the events that took place on the night the alleged altercation occurred. Plus, it will look at how this incident has touched on issues that face young people in relationships every day and what can be done to avoid them. A relationship expert will be on hand to offer advice for young people who find themselves facing domestic violence issues.
"Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love in Trouble" airs Monday, February 16, at 6 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605071/20090213/brown__chris__18_.jhtml
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Jay-Z threatens Chris Brown over Rihanna Jay-Z has threatened Chris Brown after the singer was accused of being violent towards girlfriend Rihanna. "Chris is a walking dead man," he said. "He messed with the wrong crew" (Daily Mirror).
http://www.nme.com/news/daily-gossip/42751Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown has been accused of hitting Rihanna on previous occasions during their "volatile" relationship. The 19-year-old singer - who has been charged with making criminal threats following Sunday's (08.02.09) alleged violent attack on the 'Umbrella' star and released on $50,000 bail - reportedly has an aggressive streak which manifested during a previous argument.
Friends of Rihanna claim they saw bruises on her neck last December, adding the pair's relationship was "volatile".
One pal told Us Weekly magazine: "I asked if everything was OK with her and Chris. She told me, 'We broke up again.' I didn't pursue the issue further."
It has also been revealed Rihanna had been working on a song about killing a cheating partner when she was allegedly attacked by Chris.
The 20-year-old pop beauty had teamed up with rapper Akon on the track 'Emergency Room', in which she fantasises about exacting revenge on an unfaithful boyfriend by hospitalising him and then removing his drip.
Rihanna sings: "I'm going to leave your heart broken on the floor/ You're gonna be in the emergency room/ I'm standing by your bed/ And so tempted to pull out your IV.
"Tryin' to call a nurse but nobody can help you now/ Let me see you try to live without me/ Now where's your heartbeat?/ Flatline on the ECG."
The singer has reportedly alleged Chris beat her and choked her until she was unconscious after they began arguing when they left a pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles on Sunday.
It has been claimed the couple began arguing in Chris' silver Lamborghini after he received a text from another woman.
A source said: "He got a booty call. He got a text. Rihanna saw it and she got upset. They started to argue. She got out of the car. He wanted her to get back in, so he grabbed her. She pulled away. That's when she's told people he hit her."
Rihanna's injuries - which police have described as "horrific" - were said to be so bad officers drove her to hospital as soon as they arrived on the scene.
She had bruising to her face, a split lip and bite marks and it has been claimed her eyes her eyes were so swollen she could barely open them for police photographs. The singer may now need cosmetic surgery to correct the damage.
It has also been revealed police have previously been called to a violent scene involving Chris.
In 2007, officers attended his Miami hotel room after he was heard screaming and throwing dishes at his mother.
A source said: "He was fighting with his mom. Neighbouring hotel guests alerted security and they came upstairs to the room, saw the broken dishes and the mess, and then asked his mother to leave the room. Police were then called, but charges were not filed as Chris simply paid the hotel bill and left the hotel."
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2009-02/13/content_7473632.htm
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown's stepfather rules out abuse claims Chris Brown's former blind stepfather Donnelle Hawkins has denied that he ever physically abused the singer's mother, but admitted that he regretted threatening to shoot himself because that might have had a bad effect on Brown.
"We were together as a family (but) some things happened, where I felt our relationship was slipping away that I was losing her (Brown's mother)," Contactmusic quoted Hawkins as telling in American show Access Hollywood. "I made a foolish attempt by getting the gun (sic) and threatening to shoot myself. It wasn''t a suicide attempt," he added.
Hawkins revealed that he never intended to shoot himself, but the gun went off and cost him sight. Hawkins said that Brown was very young, and misinterpreted most of the incidents. "I know that Chris misunderstood that incident... I had been out one night with another female and I came home that morning and she was very upset... Tempers flared, and in my attempt to console her, as I usually did, I got up to walk towards her and I tripped... Our heads collided," he added.
Although he apologized to Brown, he told the singer not to blame him for his own problems. "Chris, I personally want to apologize for anything I may have said or done to offend you. I wish you much success in your career, but, at the same time... you have to stop blaming me for your problems," he said.
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/music/international/2009/browns-stepfather-abuse-claims-130209.htmlLabels: chris brown, news
- Public down on singer Chris Brown
Singer Chris Brown hasn’t even gone before a judge yet, but he’s already had his day in the court of public opinion.
After getting arrested Sunday for suspicion of making a criminal threat, a dozen or so radio stations across the country pulled the R&B crooner.
“Yes, you are innocent until proven guilty. But right now he looks pretty damn guilty,” a program director for the Los Angeles station WBLI told Newsday.
It’s been rumored that the charge stems from a fight the 19-year-old star had with his 20-year-old girlfriend, singer, Rihanna. Authorities said other charges weren’t likely to be filed this week and Brown is free on $50,000 bail.
That didn’t matter for Fargo’s Y 94 FM. On Wednesday, the Morning Playhouse program asked listeners what they thought. More than 200 people wanted the singer’s songs pulled from the air, said Playhouse host, Zero.
“Y 94 has suspended the music of Chris Brown,” a banner ad on the station’s Web site stated. “Our listeners Do Not take his alleged actions lightly.” The ad also urges people who may be in danger to call the National Domestic Hotline.
On Thursday afternoon, Zero (Mr. Zero?) said the Brown ban wasn’t as much a rap against the artist as it was a way to shine a light on domestic abuse and draw attention to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.
Which sounds great: Domestic abuse is a problem and I applaud the station for helping people get help.
But before you could finish reading the online statement, it rolled over to the next banner ad, promoting Saturday’s Saving Abel concert at the Venue. The rock band was recently in the news when the guitarist was charged with forcing a 17-year-old girl into oral copulation.
So what’s the difference?
Zero pointed out that the charge against the Abel-bodied guitarist had been dropped Wednesday when a videotape showed the girl led people to believe that she was older and wasn’t forced into anything.
Zero added that had listeners been as outraged at Abel as they were at Brown, “I think we would have had to consider the same situation with our playlist.”
But what about all the other artists in trouble? Zero said some people complained that they still play rapper T.I., who goes to prison in March for a firearms violation. Again, the DJ said if listeners complained, the station would react.
So why is Brown drawing the wrath? Why are listeners throwing him to the lions? He’s not the first artist to have abusive accusations swirl around him and his lyrics aren’t as misogynistic as some.
You have to wonder if the outrage really isn’t more about the alleged victim than the alleged assailant. If the alleged victim wasn’t a successful singer, wasn’t a stunning celebrity, would it be big news?
I hope so. But I also hope the accused gets a fair trial in the courts, even if the public has already made up its mind.
And I hope the judge won’t be named “Zero.”
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/230849/
Labels: chris brown, news
- Keshia Chante Not Involved In Chris Brown/ Rihanna Incident, Manager Insists
Despite rumors that singer Keshia Chante was the young woman who sent a text message to Chris Brown the night he allegedly attacked Rihanna, her manager insists that the 20-year-old had nothing to do with the incident, which took place early Sunday morning.
"This is another unsubstantiated, untrue report; she was nowhere near the incident in any way," Mona Scott told UsMagazine.com about rumors that a text message to Brown sparked an argument between Rihanna and Brown, who was reportedly also in Los Angeles the night of this incident.
"She was nowhere near Rihanna or Chris Brown," the manager added. "She had nothing to do with any of that."
Scott said that Chante has been "frantic" after she began getting phone calls from people following the rumors that she was the one who had texted Brown. Although she insists that Brown and Chante barely know one another, a segment from "Entertainment Tonight Canada" finds Chante showing Brown around town. In a later interview, she sent Brown a message, to which Brown responded he would love to meet up with her again.
"She's not even dating Chris!" Scott said. "I think they met a few years back, probably three or four years ago, in Canada. But that's it. It's crazy — there's been a continuous kind of reporting of them linked together, and this has been the worst of it all. But, no — she had absolutely nothing to do with them or any of that."
Scott also denied that Chante will be playing Aaliyah in a movie adaptation of the late singer's life, although she did say it would be a "great opportunity."
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604973/20090212/chante_keshia.jhtml
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Chris Brown's Cousin: 'He Had to Be Provoked to Do It'
In an "Extra" exclusive, Chris Brown's cousin, Phylicia Thompson, has come to the singer's defense over the alleged attack. "Chris was not brought up...to beat on a woman," she told us. But she didn't stop there! She went on to say, "So it had to be something to provoke him for Chris to do it. He wouldn't have done is just to be having fun... But what happens behind closed doors, nobody ever knows."
Standing outside the house where Brown grew up, Thompson told "Extra," "He might feel down right now because his fans are looking down on him, like he's done something wrong. Of course, yes, he's done something wrong because he put his hands on her, but like I said, you don't know what happened. He had to be provoked to do it. Chris would never have done it."
Thompson, who last saw Brown in April 2008, added, "Everybody loved Chris... This comes as a surprise to me... He was never a troubled child." Growing up with Brown, Thompson admitted, "It was fun. Me and Chris were close in age. He practically lived with us... It was pretty cool growing up with Chris... We had so much fun. He was just an active child... He liked to dance. He liked to sing. He liked to play sports."
"Extra's" interview with Thompson airs tonight.
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/02/chris_brown_cousin_defends_pro.php
Labels: chris brown, news
- Is Chris Brown's Career Totally Doomed?
I reached out to dozens of crisis PR experts today—people who have handled everything from food recalls to child sex-abuse scandals. Their only point of disagreement: Whether Chris Brown's career is finished, over or merely done.
This is no small fall for a guy who, just last year, was named by Forbes magazine as a "celebrity dealmaker to watch." His biggest sin since the alleged crime? Staying silent.
Of course, what actually happened remains to be sorted out in full view of Lady Justice. But PR people universally agree that Brown should have launched his I'm-an-ass apology tour by now, or at least some sort of self-mutilating statement.
Here's the long-shot strategy he should be following...
Police investigation notwithstanding, crisis PR pro Dave Cieslak tells me he that somebody in Brown's position should "admit his unspeakable mistake and genuinely beg forgiveness from Rihanna and his fans, all with tears streaming from his eyes."
And yet there is a very tiny chance that Brown could crawl and scrape his way back into our collective good graces.
How? Focusing on his fans in the African-American community is a good start, image management consultant Goldie Taylor says. "We have a forgiving heart in the community," Taylor says. "It's happened time and time again. We saw it with Al Sharpton and Tawana Brawley, and look at Michael Vick. He isn't done yet."
(Indeed, Vick gets out of prison in July, and his lawyers are reportedly seeking to get him reinstated into the NFL.)
That focus may take the form of a sympathetic interview with Cousin Jeff on BET or giving us a very public come-to-Jesus moment by joining an African-American church.
He also needs to curb any news leaks coming out of his camp, as well as put out his own strong message, Taylor says:
"That his love for Rihanna is unfaltering, that he has undying love and respect for black women everywhere, that he has sisters and watched his mother struggle as a single mom, and that he can't comment on anything directly but that he has great faith in the American justice system.
"But if they keep up with this radio silence," Taylor says, "he's a dead brand walking."
Of course, Brown's own anti-domestic-violence foundation must follow.
Even after all that, don't look for a Chris Brown live tour anytime soon.
"If his people are smart," says Peter Shankman, founder of the PR firm Geek Factory, "they'll keep him under wraps for at least six months."
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b99660_chris_browns_career_totally_doomed.html
Labels: chris brown, news
- Did Kira Plastinina Cause Brown/Rihanna Fight?
Speculation continues to swirl around the Chris Brown/Rihanna incident as both superstars remain mum and out of the public eye, reports are flooding the net about what happened -- and what it could mean for the rising stars.
Brown's cousin, Phylicia Thompson, rallied to Chris' defense at her home in Virginia, telling "Extra" that the allegations don't seem to fit Chris' easy-going personality. "Chris was not brought up...to beat on a woman." She goes on to say, "So it had to be something to provoke him for Chris to do it. He wouldn't have done is just to be having fun....But what happens behind closed doors, nobody ever knows."
Rumors today point to teenage fashion designer Kira Plastinina as a possible cause for the lovers' quarrel -- with sources claiming that the 16-year-old sent Brown text messages that were found by Rihanna, which sparked an argument. Chris sang for Plastinina at last year's launch of her Beverly Hills boutique.
Paris Hilton opened up to Radar Online to remove her name as a potential cause of the argument between Chris and Rihanna. "That's ridiculous and an outright lie," Hilton says of reports that suggest she was flirty with Brown. "I was not 'all over him' as some magazine reported -- I said hello and that was it. I love Rihanna and that never happened."
New reports also suggest that the Brown fled the scene of Saturday night's altercation -- while witnesses called 911 after hearing Rihanna scream. Even more disturbing, friends of the 20-year-old starlet -- citing bruises on her neck in December -- say that this may not be the first time that Brown has reportedly gotten rough with Rihanna.
Chris skyrocketed to fame at the age of 16 -- and Los Angeles psychologist and "Extra" Lifechanger Gabe Crenshaw reveals that the 19-year-old may be a classic case of "too much, too soon." Crenshaw says, "I call it a million-dollar slum. The money, the power, the prestige, the world at your fingertips -- yet your head's a mess."
Now, as the LAPD reportedly searches for someone who may have helped Brown flee the scene, both musicians are out of the limelight. Rihanna is reportedly waiting for another round of police interviews, and a case against Brown could be presented to the DA as early as next week.
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/02/browns_cousin_you_dont_know_th.php
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Rihanna-Brown: Stuck in Los Angeles
Pop stars Chris Brown and Rihanna are stuck in Los Angeles, unable to leave for their respective homes.
It’s just like in the movies when the police say, don’t leave town.
And so the couple waits, in separate accommodations, to see if the police or district attorney need to do more questioning about their wild ride on Saturday night that left Rihanna bruised and beaten, and Brown the object of much derision.
A source says, "Can you believe that Chris hasn’t even issued an apology? Three days and nothing." Of course, a public apology might be thought of as admission of guilt. But still: Brown so far has not made wise decisions.
And just as a source has described a plausible scenario, I am told that reps from Jive Records, Chris’s label, are having trouble finding an outside agency to do spin control. They’ve been turned down by at least one major firm
But what really happened on Saturday night to Rihanna and Chris Brown? How did they get into so much trouble? Here’s the latest scenario in the Rihanna-Chris Brown saga.
Based on reports that bite marks were allegedly found on the pop songstress, and that the pair was traveling in a Lamborghini, here’s one way things could have gone down. I don’t watch "CSI" or any of those shows, really, but this makes sense.
According to one source, and fitting in with reports that Brown received either a text message or phone call on his cell phone that upset Rihanna, it makes sense that the petite singer may have raised her left hand or arm toward Brown in a moment of gesticulation.
Lamborghini’s have small cabins that are hard to maneuver in. Brown, who would have been driving, could have used his teeth as a weapon to defend himself against Rihanna’s flailing. Thus, the bite marks.
This simple explanation doesn’t sound bad, considering that otherwise Brown would be proven to be a vampire. Or a cannibal.
The flailing and biting, my source says, caused Brown to pull over. Both singers then jumped out of the car. Brown might have been incensed at this point, and began to hit Rihanna with his fists. Her screams may have caused him to panic and drive off, leaving the singer by herself. If it’s true that a neighbor heard her and called 911, then this depiction fits the story.
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Cops looking to question Chris Brown & Rihanna again about fight
Investigators want another go at singer Chris Brown to seal tight the case they're building against him for what sources say was a brutal beatdown of pop princess Rihanna.
Cops are due to reinterview Rihanna and Chris Brown soon, a music industry source said Wednesday, and cops should have the case in the hands of the Los Angeles district attorney as soon as next week.
Rihanna, who remains holed up in the L.A. area, has canceled shows in Malaysia and Indonesia to cooperate with investigators. She is surrounded by her closest friends, including longtime pal and assistant Melissa Forde, sources said.
Friends of Brown are also rallying around him, issuing what seemed the first indications of remorse from the 19-year-old "Run It!" singer.
"Chris is all right. He's a good kid. He feels very bad that something like this happened," friend and stylist Michael (Mike B) Barnett told People.com.
Brown, 19, is free on $50,000 bail after his arrest on one felony count of making criminal threats. The district attorney's office asked Tuesday for further investigation before it decides whether to pursue the case and possibly add charges.
"You can tell everybody that Chris really feels bad about the whole situation, about it coming out the way that it happened, the way he went about it, the way she went about it," another friend told People. "It's just a wack situation."
The Daily News' music industry source, meanwhile, scoffed at several wild reports on the Internet - including that Paris Hilton was Brown's "booty call" and that Rihanna had been knocked out cold.
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown 'feels very bad,' says his stylist Neither Chris Brown nor Rihanna has released any statements since the alleged assault that brought her to the hospital and sent him to jail Sunday.
But his longtime stylist Mike B. tells People, "Chris is all right. He's a good kid. He feels very bad that something like this has happened."
Another FOC (friend of Chris) chimed in to People, "You can tell everybody that Chris really feels bad about the whole situation, about it coming out the way that it happened, the way he went about it, the way she went about it ... it's just a wack situation."
This friend says the story is just not as bad as everybody is "trying to gas it up to be."
Really? After the alleged altercation between the couple, Brown was booked on a felony criminal threat charge.
According to People, a police source says Rihanna suffered a black eye as well as a split lip and contusions on her face.
I dunno. Sounds pretty bad to me. How about you?
Still, it's nice to hear that he "feels bad." As well he should.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/02/chris-browns-st.html
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown music ban on WBLI In response to R&B singer Chris Brown's arrest for an alleged assault reportedly against his longtime girlfriend Rihanna in Los Angeles, WBLI (106.1-FM) plans to pull all of Brown's songs from its rotation Friday and poll listeners on whether they should be reinstated.
"Yes, you are innocent until proven guilty," said Jeremy Rice, WBLI's program director. "But right now, he looks pretty damn guilty. He hasn't given any statement. He hasn't come on BLI or a station in Los Angeles to explain. If it's true, we need him to do an A-Rod. We need a little bit more from him right now."
WBLI joins stations in Cleveland and Indianapolis in pulling Brown's music from their airwaves. "It's a big risk for us to pull off an artist that helps us with our ratings," said Rice, adding that the station is currently playing "Forever" and "With You." "I don't think I know everything that happened. But we're going to let listeners decide."
(Currently, the vote is 51-49% against banning Brown's songs. Rice said his staff was divided on the issue as well.)
The station is also planning a "Shred Your Ex" demonstration at its West Babylon studios on Friday morning, inviting members of Rihanna's fanclub to shred Brown's CDs and posters. "Whether you're a Rihanna fan or not, we can all empathize with being with someone who caused love to go wrong," said Nancy Cambino, WBLI's operations manager.
Los Angeles prosecutors have asked police for more evidence before deciding what charges should be brought against Brown regarding the incident early Sunday morning, according to the Associated Press. Brown remains free on $50,000 bail on felony charges of making threats.
Following the incident, both Brown and Rihanna canceled their Grammy appearances. Brown has also cancelled his appearance at this weekend's NBA All-Star Game, while Rihanna has pulled out of a concert in Malaysia and her 21st birthday party in New York next week has been cancelled.
http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/blog/2009/02/wbli_to_stop_playing_chris_bro.html
Labels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown Holed Up in Vegas
Chris Brown has taken a gamble on Las Vegas.
E! News has learned that Brown, who is being investigated by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office for allegedly beating up his R&B star girlfriend, Rihanna, is holed up at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Vegas. He's staying in a suite on an upper floor of the hotel.
According to a Sin City source, "They had to kick out any paparazzi that were around and get him tons of security to sneak him in."
Hotel management, however, says it "cannot officially confirm he is on the property."
There has been much speculation as to the 19-year-old Brown's whereabouts since he was seen leaving an L.A. jail Sunday night after being booked on suspicion of making criminal threats. He had been spotted at a West Hollywood hotel and there was an unconfirmed report he had flown to be with his family in Georgia.
His case was turned over to the D.A.'s office Tuesday morning; prosecutors have asked for further investigation into the incident before they decide whether to press charges.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b99625_chris_brown_holed_up_in_vegas.htmlLabels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Chris 'Brown Ban' At Radio Continues, Fans Outraged By Radio Pullings Chris Brown, already down two endorsements, is seemingly stuck in a what we're calling a 'Brown-Ban' -- a wave of radio stations pulling the singer's hits including "Take You Down" and "Forever" from their playlists.
While radio program directors in both Cleveland and Pittsburgh say their communities are outraged by the allegations of battery and 'criminal threats' levied against Chris Brown, some fans are calling the radio pullings ridiculous.
Citing other artists such as Michael Jackson and more recently R. Kelly, who received continuous airplay while involved in his now completed 'Child Pornography Case', fans say Brown's records should be played until the situation is sorted out.
Fans on Singersroom have weighed in on the decision to pull Brown's records as well.
"I understand the outrage people feel about this situation, but removing his music... Did you stop playing R. Kelly ?," says one community member.
While the allegations surrounding Chris Brown and Rihanna's alleged incident and injuries remain under investigation, it seems likely that this 'Brown-ban' will continue as Pittburgh's 96.1 program director says:
"We have made the decision to take all Chris Brown songs off the radio, although we are fans of Chris’ music, and this will not last forever. It appears Chris made some poor choices, so we are following the lead of our listeners and will put his music on hold on 96.1 KISS until the alleged situation gets resolved."
Update: Chris Brown has also been booted from a weekend "Valentine's Day" bash he was to host according to Scottsdale, AZ promoters who have enlisted rapper Nelly instead.
http://www.singersroom.com/news/entertainment-story-3249.aspLabels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown vs. Rihanna: Is it Paris Hilton's fault? E! News is reporting that Rihanna told police that Chris Brown choked her while threatening to kill her and, subsequently, she lost consciousness. To make matters worse, one gossip source is naming Paris Hilton as being involved in this couple's ongoing argument.
On Ken Baker’s blog, he writes that the duo fought after leaving Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party late Saturday, and offered up some very explosive details.
To add another celebrity name to the Rihanna/Chris Brown rumor mill, OK magazine reports that this may be, at least in part, Paris Hilton’s fault. Well, of course it is. We totally blame her for global warming too. And she may have helped Bernie Madoff too.
Seems OK had a spy (probably a paid source) at the Feb. 6 Timbaland Grammy party, sponsored by Verizon and BlackBerry Storm, who saw Chris chatting up Paris, who seemed really really happy to see him.
"He and Paris went outside together," a witness tells OK. "Paris was all over him," the partygoer says. "Rihanna caught wind of it and spent the rest of the night glued to him."
Paris did have had her flirt on — and a microscopically short minidress — at the Grammys. Asked by Ryan Seacrest why she was flying solo that night, Paris replied, "Why bring sand to the beach?”
Presumably, it's OK to bring a faux tan.
But seriously, folks. Paris Hilton hugs every rich and famous guy at parties. I doubt Rihanna would be the slightest bit bothered.
And let's not blame Paris for everything bad that happens in Hollywood, OK?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/02/chris-brown-vow.htmlLabels: chris brown, news
- Chris Brown talks domestic violence with Tyra This clip is almost a year old, but it’s interesting because Chris Brown talks with Tyra about the domestic violence he witnessed as a child and how it affected him. Minus the “uhs” and “ums” this is what he told the talk show host.
“… basically, especially toward women, I treat them differently. I don’t want to go through the same thing or put a woman through the same thing that person put my mom through.”
http://blogs.timesunion.com/kristi/7043/chris-brown-talks-domestic-violence-with-tyraLabels: chris brown, news, videos
- Brown booted from B103.9 Southwest Floridaradio listeners won't be hearing troubled singer Chris Brown - at least not on B103.9.
The radio station has removed all of the 19-year-old's music after he was arrested after allegedly attacking his girlfriend, 20-year-old singer Rihanna.
B103.9 says its listeners were outraged at the alleged assault and asked them to stop playing his music.
"We ask listeners what they thought. They want Chris Brown off the radio" said Big Mama, the station's morning host.
After Big Mama pulled the music during his show, the station followed suit for the rest of the day.
B103.9 says Brown will not return to their station until his legal problems are resolved.
He was freed on $50,000 bail while the district attorney in Los Angeles decides how to proceed.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29135907/
Labels: chris brown, news
- Sister: Chris Brown is a 'good boy,' despite allegedly attacking Rihanna R&B singer Chris Brown is an upstanding citizen, his sister insists.
"He's always been a good boy - never violent," Brown's sister Lytrell Bundy tells "Extra."
The "Run It!" singer was arrested Sunday for assault after allegedly attacking his pop star girlfriend Rihanna, who suffered a split lip, contusions on her forehead and bite marks on her arms during the incident.
The couple began squabbling after Brown received a text message from another woman, the Daily News reports.
The "Run it!" singer is reportedly staying with his mother in Virginia and attempting to reach Rihanna, who won't take his calls.
Brown, Bundy says, is "coping ... he's doing as ... as to be expected."
The 20-year-old is already seeing the fallout from the alleged incident: Wrigley has suspended his Doublemint ads, his "Got Milk" campaign will end this week and several radio stations are refusing to play his songs.
Rihanna has canceled several events in the coming weeks
http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/02/11/2009-02-11_sister_chris_brown_is_a_good_boy_despite.htmlLabels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Rihanna & Chris Brown fight started over text message from other woman
It started with a text.
The explosive fight that landed sultry singer Rihanna in the hospital ignited when singer Chris Brown got a text message from another young woman, a source said.
"He got a booty call. He got a text. Rihanna saw it and she got upset. They started to argue. She got out of the car. He wanted her to get back in, so he grabbed her," the industry source said. "She pulled away. That's when she's told people he hit her."
The Barbados-born beauty had "visible injuries" when cops arrived, and she's been cooperating with the investigation ever since, while freezing out Brown.
"Chris has been trying to contact her. So far she hasn't taken his call," the music business source said. "Her family is on their way to be with her. She has some close girlfriends looking after her."
The source scoffed at reports that the fight erupted after a jealous Brown scolded Rihanna, 20, for spending time with producer Timbaland at a pre-Grammy party.
"That's coming out of the Chris Brown camp," the source said. "It's despicable. They're blaming the victim...He's the one who's steppin' out."
Cops and sources say the two were driving a rented Lamborghini on a ritzy street south of Rihanna's pad in the Hollywood Hills early Sunday when they quarreled, parked, got out and "the argument escalated."
Cops responding to a 911 call found the "Umbrella" singer with a split lip and bruises on either side of her forehead, according to People.com.
Rihanna also reportedly had bite marks on her hand and was treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Cops delivered their case to prosecutors Tuesday, but the district attorney sent them back to the drawing board.
The "LAPD did present a case this morning, and we have asked for further investigation," DA spokeswoman Jane Robison said.
Robison wouldn't describe the holes that prosecutors want plugged.
A legal expert said prosecutors generally ask for an overabundance of "witness work" in cases like this because victims often lose their nerve when the cases come to trial.
"These cases are often stymied by the refusal of victims to testify," said lawyer Alexandra Leichter, a Beverly Hills-based private arbitrator. Sometimes prosecutors can convict without the victim's help if there are enough witnesses, he said.
The Daily News spoke to a witness Tuesday who heard the raucous fight explode outside her house. "I heard the screaming. It was loud," the homeowner said.
"In my opinion, either [the cops] have conflicting stories and not enough evidence, or the DA is debating whether to file this as misdemeanor or felony battery," said defense lawyer Steve Cron.
Brown, 19, has kept a low profile since he was booked on a felony criminal threats charge and released on $50,000 bail. His attorney Mark Geragos did not return calls seeking comment.
Labels: chris brown, news, rihanna
- Kanye West, T.I. React To Chris Brown's Arrest
Chris Brown and Rihanna's families, friends and fans aren't the only ones upset by the alleged altercation between the two. The information has rocked the music industry. As details have begun to emerge about the incident, their peers have reacted.
"I was completely devastated by the concept of what I heard," Kanye West told Ryan Seacrest Tuesday morning (February 10) during a radio interview. West said he was so upset by the news that even affected him during his performance of "American Boy" at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.
"I was completey devastated during the performance," he said. "All I will say is it's so devastating. I feel like, just as a person, I don't care how famous she is, or even if she worked at McDonald's, that should have never happened. It should have never come to that place."
West said he saw both performers at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party on Saturday night, and that he is on closer terms with Rihanna.
"I know Rihanna a bit better because I went on tour with her and we vibed out on a lot of creative ideas with the touring," he said. "I gave her all these references of Grace Jones and [photographer] Jean-Paul Goude, back in the '80s when pop stars took it to a whole 'nother level. I felt and feel like Rihanna is so important to our culture, to pop music. I feel that she is the most important artist in music and has the most potential. For her taste level at her age and the songs she does and her style. She has the potential to be the greatest artist of all time. In that sense, I feel like she's my baby sis, and I would do any and everything to help her in any situation."
Monday night on "Last Call With Carson Daly," T.I. said he has spoken with Brown since the incident happened.
"I spoke to him today," Tip said. "He's cool, you know. He's a little concerned about the situation, but he's still the same Chris."
Tip said despite conversing with Brown, he still didn't know what had happened, but he offered advice to the singer.
"I told him, 'This too shall pass.' We're celebrities, we're entertainers, but we're still human — all of us," he said. "Don't expect us not to make mistakes, because we will."
Following his appearance on "Last Call," T.I. released a statement to MTV News expressing regret for his comments on the incident. "After careful consideration, I realized I made the mistake of commenting before understanding the situation," the statement read. "I myself am no stranger to media scrutiny. My only intention was to support both Rihanna and Chris during these times. My heart goes out to both of them.
Someone who is all too familiar with having a domestic dispute plastered across the headlines is Lionel Richie, whose ugly confrontations with his now-ex-wife Brenda ultimately resulted in her arrest in 1988. Richie advised both Brown and Rihanna to not run away from what happened.
"You'll go through adversity," he offered. "You're gonna have it. You're gonna have difficulty. Stand up, face it. Look right in the camera, say, 'Yes, I did it,' then back out of it. Keep going. That's all you can do. Because now, there's no more secrets. You can't hide anything anymore.
"You can't get away now," he continued, analyzing how much the media has changed over the past two decades. "It took a minute ... when you could practice your integrity thing, you could practice your mistakes, before the world even heard about it. Now, whatever mistake you make, it's out there. It's a different kind of vibe. I wouldn't want to deal with it right now, not learning the business and life at the same time with that thing [camera] pointing at you every five minutes. All I can say is it's here, it's now, deal with it."
Ashanti, whose critically acclaimed song "Rain on Me" dealt with domestic violence, said "I definitely wish them the best. There's a lot of things that's alleged. Nobody knows what going on. They're young. I hope everything's all right for the both of them."
Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604754/20090210/west_kanye.jhtmlLabels: chris brown, news, rihanna
