Chris Brown pled guilty to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna back in February this year, and has been sentenced to five years on probation, 180 days of community work, to complete a 52-week mandatory, domestic-violence program and pay legal fees. His mother, Joyce Hawkins, is now breaking her silence on the much-mediated incident, saying in a post on The Chris Brown Fan Club that this was all about God and having Him speak through her son.

This is the first time that any member of Brown’s family is making a statement on the beating of Rihanna, after many months in which fans saw themselves divided in two camps, the one that took Rihanna’s side and the one that insisted Brown should not have his music career ruined because of something that was purely a personal problem. This is also the first time that someone this close to him discusses the issue by saying this was “not about Chris” but about God and, as one might expect, Hawkins’ statement is already burning holes on the Internet.

“I just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you for your continued support. I’m sorry I wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone as this case was ongoing. I can now say this has been the most painful moment in my entire life, but knowing that you were still standing by Chris’ side in his time of need made this a little easier for us. Because of all your prayers, God brought him through. I just want to say God has never failed me and never will. All moms and dads please stand by your children and pray for their goodness each and every day.” Hawkins begins her statement by saying.

So far, so good, several US glossy publications point out: Chris’ mother is standing by him like any other mom would do. Still, from that to saying, in more or less words, that beating Rihanna senseless was God’s way of showing His goodness might be a stretch, it is being pointed out. Yet, this is exactly what Brown’s mother does. “I made a promise, I would never be ashamed of him no matter where I am or who I talk to. You see this whole thing isn’t about Chris, it’s about God. He wants to show all of you the goodness of him through Chris. Chris will be addressing all of his fans very soon. We love you so much and so does God.” Hawkins concludes by saying.

Fans, and the entire world for that matter, are now waiting for Chris Brown’s statement and take on the scandal.