Chris Brown has been charged with two felonies related to the February 8, 2009, alleged attack on his girlfriend Rihanna. On April 6, 2009, Brown pleaded not guilty on two felony counts in a Los Angeles courtroom. The charges assault and making criminal threats. If convicted, LA prosecutors say that Brown's sentence could range anywhere from probation to a maximum four years and eight months in state prisonPeople: Brown Due Back in Court for Rihanna Case (April 6, 2009)
Quotes
- "Mr. Brown, you are not to annoy, harass, molest, threaten or use force or violence against anyone."—Los Angeles Commissioner Kristi Lousteau on March 5, 2009People: Chris Brown Appears in Court on Domestic Violence Charges (March 5, 2009)
"Rihanna is well. Thank you for your concern and support."—Rihanna's repTMZ: Chris Brown Investigated for Alleged Assault (February 8, 2009)
"The exact charge was criminal threats and it is going to be a criminal threats investigation. There may be domestic violence charges added later, but that will be up to the district attorney's office.—Sgt Bridget PickettGuardian: Rihanna cancels appearance... (February 9, 2009)
"She got out of the car to walk home. He got out to stop her. Things got physical. He hit her, possibly more than once. She had multiple bruises."—A source according to the NY Daily NewsNY Daily News: Chris Brown arrested in battery investigation (February 9, 2009)
Court
- Brown appeared before a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner on March 5, 2009 regarding the felony charges in the alleged beating of Rihanna. Brown did not enter a plea but Commissioner Kristi Lousteau issued a protective order against the singer. Brown's arraignment has been delayed until April 6, 2009.People: Chris Brown Appears in Court on Domestic Violence Charges (March 5, 2009) Although People reported on February 27, 2009, that the couple had reunited, Rihanna did not attend this court session.People: Rihanna and Chris Brown Are Back Together (February 27, 2009) However, Rihanna's lawyer, Donald Etra, did appear in court for the March 5 meeting.People: Chris Brown Appears in Court on Domestic Violence Charges (March 5, 2009)
Career Comeback
- The Chicago Sun Times reported on March 6, 2009, that Brown's PR team was crafting a plan to save his career after the damage done in the wake of the alleged attack. The plan included penning a book with Rihanna (and psychologists and experts in the field) that explored and explained abusive relationships and opening up about the incident on several talk shows.Chicago Sun Times: Can Brown Turn It Around? (March 6, 2009)