14 DAY TRIAL // It’s been many months that news broke that young R&B star Chris Brown allegedly beat then-girlfriend Rihanna to a pulp over a text message. As the scandal reached almost never-before-seen proportions even with celebrities, given the popularity of both stars, Brown kept mum on the topic – as per the instructions of his attorney, he explains now in a video just released, as Boston Herald can confirm.
The video stands for Brown’s official apology for the February incident, but not for an attempt at finding excuses, the singer says. Although he does not go into specifics about what exactly happened between the two on that night, Brown says he accepts full responsibility for his actions, while also revealing that he might explain the incident in more details in upcoming interviews.
“Hi, I’m Chris Brown. Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out, even though since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility. Although I would do some interviews and answer some questions in the future, I felt it was time you heard directly from me that I am sorry. I have tried to live my life in a way that would make those around me proud of me, and until recently, I think I was doing a pretty good job. I wish I had the chance to live those few moments again, but unfortunately I can’t.” Brown begins his message by saying.
In the same video, a visibly remorseful Brown, on the brink of crying at one point, adds that he has spent the past few months thinking about what he had done and learning to better control his anger. He too grew up in a family where domestic violence was a common occurrence, therefore he knows the effects it can have on everyone, not just the person who’s being beaten up. Because of this, he is now in a much better place, Brown explains, having consulted with his spiritual advisors and mother and having learned to show better self-control.
“I recognize that I’ve truly been blessed. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, wonderful friends and fans. God has been generous in giving me the ability which has brought me fame and fortune. I have done a lot of soul-searching, and over the past several months I’ve talked with my minister and my mother, and I spent a lot of time trying to understand what happened and why. I have let a lot of people down, and I realize that.” Brown says, before concluding by promising he’ll do his best to live up to his role model status.
In June this year, following much speculation on the topic, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury. He was sentenced to five years on probation, one year of mandatory domestic violence classes and 180 days of community service. See below for Chris Brown’s message in response to the Rihanna beating back in February.