14 DAY TRIAL // As reported earlier, Rihanna was believed to be the victim in the Chris Brown domestic violence case, although the LAPD never officially confirmed it. Now, the first police photo taken at the scene of the altercation, showing a battered up Rihanna, has been leaked on the Internet, prompting a police investigation to find out who was responsible for it.
The photo, the first ever to appear since the much-mediated incident, surfaced on gossip website / paparazzi agency TMZ, which reportedly has sources inside the police force and was able to buy it, despite the fact that it’s customary to not release photos of victims of domestic abuse in a bid to protect them. Consequently, the LAPD launched an official investigation to find out who is the leak, according to a press statement just released.
“The unauthorized release of a domestic violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation. At about 7 p.m. on February 19, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Section began receiving numerous inquiries about the release of a photograph associated with a domestic violence incident that occurred on February 8, 2009, involving entertainer Chris Brown. The photograph appeared on an entertainment website.” the statement from the LAPD reads.
“The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence. The Department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel complaint. A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination.” it is further said. The LAPD is also asking for full cooperation from the public, offering means to tipsters to contact them with info on the case.
As TMZ previously said, citing an unnamed source at the scene of the incident, the photo in question does show Rihanna's “horrific” injuries. “The photos show major contusions on both sides of the singer’s face – there is serious swelling and bruising. Her lip is split and her nose bloody. We have now confirmed there are bite marks on one of her arms and on several fingers. Rihanna claims Brown struck her with his fists and that’s what did the damage.” TMZ revealed at the time of reporting that the police had taken photos of the battered singer.