Despite expectations that he would cop a plea

Apr 7, 2009 12:23 GMT  ·  By

As the blogosphere continues to turn its back on 19-year-old Chris Brown for allegedly beating girlfriend Rihanna to a pulp back in February, the singer has just entered his plea as not guilty as regards the charges of making criminal threats and domestic abuse. The next trial hearing of the case is scheduled for April 29, TMZ informs.

Initial reports had it that Brown would try to cop a plea with the DA and thus avoid going to trial, and, ultimately, have his reputation completely destroyed in the media. This was back at the beginning of March, when he was charged but refused to enter a plea, asking for his arraignment to be delayed until April 6. Speculation had it that he was looking to escape having to go to court with Rihanna’s help, with whom he reportedly reconciled shortly after the incident, according to several reports in the media.

Speaking of Rihanna, her attorney, Donald Etra, said after the court hearing that she too was just as eager to put the incident behind her by striking a plea, if possible – in a move that shocked the fans of the “Umbrella” singer. However, Etra pointed out, she would testify in court if she was ordered to do so, but only if she had no other choice.

“Donald Etra just said Rihanna would be pleased ‘if it [the case] were over quickly’ – as in plea bargain. Etra was asked what kind of deal would she want – he said she recognized it wasn’t up to her. He acknowledged there were efforts underway to resolve the case – so he knows... Rihanna has made it clear – she does not want to go to court, although Etra says she will cooperate if ordered to do so.” TMZ tells about Etra’s statement outside the courthouse.

Oddly enough, Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos, refused to speak with the media representatives gathered for the hearing, as also did the singer himself or anyone close to him. His mother, it has been said, spent the whole time in court weeping and presumably praying for her son.