Recently a celebrity gossip site has shared a photo which it claims to show Rihanna the pop singer’s photograph after she was allegedly struck by her boyfriend, fellow singer Chris Brown.
The image posted by TMZ shows a pair of welts on the woman’s temples, and other marks on her cheek and around her lips. TMZ did not say how it obtained the photo, or how soon after the incident it was taken.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman says the agency hasn’t released any photos of Brown’s alleged victim, and will not release any evidence photos.
Brown was arrested on Feb. 8 on suspicion of making felony criminal threats to a woman that authorities have not publicly identified.
A person familiar with the incident has confirmed the woman involved was Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Prosecutors have asked police to provide more information before deciding whether to press charges against Brown.
“Rihanna(This undated photo provided by TMZ of pop star Rihanna was according to TMZ, “taken after Chris Brown allegedly beat her.” Rihanna was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute with boyfriend Chris Brown last week that resulted in his arrest and booking on charges of making criminal threats. A police statement said the woman who reported the incident was injured, and identified Brown as her attacker. Charges have not yet been filed, and neither Brown nor Rihanna has come forth to comment on the incident.)[via]
Police have not confirmed the name of the woman in the leaked picture or when or where it was taken.
However, she has the same tattoo of Roman numerals on her shoulder which Rihanna revealed at a party before the Grammy awards on February 8, the night she was attacked.
The injuries to the woman’s face are also consistent with those said to have been suffered by the singer.
Police said Brown and a woman were arguing as they travelled together in a car.
The fight escalated after they got out and by the time officers arrived at the scene in Hancock Park, Brown had left.
He handed himself in to police the following day, when he was arrested and released on £30,000 bail.
A statement released through his publicist said: ‘Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired.
Rihanna and Chris Brown, pictured at a pre-Grammy party just hours before the alleged assault. They later cancelled their performances at the awards
‘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.’
Both Brown and his Barbadian girlfriend were nominated for Grammys and were due to appear at the music awards show in LA but cancelled at the last minute.
The picture emerged after a leak from the LA police, prompting an internal investigation. A spokesman said the force took its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence ‘very seriously’.
Rihanna and Chris Brown
Releasing a picture without authorisation was considered serious misconduct, with penalties which could include sacking, he added.
Police are continuing to investigate the case and Brown may face domestic violence charges.
Rihanna, meanwhile, is said to be staying with relatives in Barbados.
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