Rihanna

- Full name: Robyn Rihanna Fenty
- Pronounced: Ree-AH-nah
- Born: February 20, 1988
- Birthplace: St. Michael, Barbados
- Genre: R&B/Pop
- Active: 2005 - present
- Albums: Three
- Label: Def Jam Records
- Grammy Awards: One (for "Umbrella")
- Signed by Jay-Z
- Has name Beyonce Knowles, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Bob Marley and her Caribbean background as major musical influences
- Voted "Favorite Female Artist" in the soul/R&B category and "Favorite Female Artist" in the pop/rock artist category at the 2008 American Music Awards
- February 2009: Then-boyfriend Chris Brown was arrested for allegedly assaulting Rihanna
- A source close to the couple said Brown hit and bit Rihanna during the alleged assaultMSNBC: Brown bit Rihanna (February 9, 2009)
- The assault was said to have occurred after Brown received a text message from an unnamed female wanting to hook up with himTMZ: Text Message Ignites Rihanna/Brown Violence (February 11, 2009)
- According to E! Online, Brown threatened to kill Rihanna and choked her until she lost consciousnessE Online: Rihanna to Cops: Chris Brown Threatened to Kill Me (February 10, 2009)
- A source close to the couple said "She was asking for it. I mean com'on, who wouldn't want to slap her around. Help a playa out. I mean I slap my woman and get a sandwich. Let's call it a day."

Rihanna is a Grammy-winning R&B singer from Barbados. Her hit singles include "Pon de Replay," "SOS," "Unfaithful," "Disturbia" and the worldwide smash "Umbrella."
Singer Chris Brown, who was charged with assaulting Rihanna in February of 2009, pleaded guilty to the charges at his preliminary hearing on June 22, 2009. According to the terms of his plea deal, Brown will receive five years probation and six months of community labor.Times Online: Chris Brown pleads guilty to assaulting Rihanna (June 23, 2009) Los Angeles Superior Court judge Patricia Schnegg is pushing for Brown to perform physically demanding community work instead of just community service.Daily Mail: Chris Brown's sentencing delayed as judge pushes for 'hard labour' for Rihanna attack (August 6, 2009)
Alleged Sex Tape

A sex tape featuring what looks to be Rihanna and Chris Brown has surfaced online in mid June of 2009. Rumors that the tape existed first began earlier in the year. In May of 2009, nude photos of the singer reportedly surfaced online as well.Holly Scoop: Rihanna Sex Tape Leaked? (June 15, 2009)
New Romance Brewing?

In mid May of 2009, Rihanna was rumored to have been romantically linked to actor/rapper Aubrey "Drake" Graham. According to Page Six, while she was in New York City on May 18, 2009, Rihanna "was drinking whiskey and apple juice and making out with him all night."NY Post: Rihanna Takes a Strike (May 20, 2009)
Earlier in the month, Rihanna was rumored to have reunited with a past flame named Negus Sealy who she previously dated before becoming famous. The couple were seen together in Barbados in early May of 2009 where they were said to have been "inseparable."News of the World: Singer dumps Chris Brown for 'Love God' (May 3, 2009)
In mid June of 2009, Rihanna is said to have a crush on basketball star Rashard Lewis. A source close to Rihanna states, "She’s digging on him, and she hopes the feeling is mutual."Daily News: Is Rihanna casting spell on Magic man? (June 15, 2009)
Chris Brown Alleged Assault

Rihanna was scheduled to perform at the Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009, but canceled her performance after her boyfriend, Chris Brown, was arrested for allegedly assaulting her.Guardian: Rihanna cancels appearance... (February 9, 2009) TMZ: Chris Brown and Rihanna... (February 9, 2009) According to TMZ reports, her injuries were said to have been "horrific" as she suffered contusions, swelling, bruising, bite marks, a broken lip and a bloody nose.TMZ: Rihanna's Injuries (February 10, 2009) PerezHilton reported on February 19, 2009, that Brown is being investigated for "domestic violence, assault resulting in great bodily injury and attempted murder" based on Rihanna's claims that he threatened to kill her. Brown was said to have strangled Rihanna until she passed out.PerezHilton: Chris Brown Investigated For Attempted Murder! (February 19, 2009)
Rihanna did not appear in the Los Angeles courtroom when Chris Brown entered his not guilty plea on two felony counts regarding his alleged attack on her on February 8, 2009. Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats.People: Brown Due Back in Court for Rihanna Case (April 6, 2009)
According to reports on June 11, 2009, Rihanna was served with papers to appear in court on June 22nd to testify against Brown. Rihanna's lawyer stated that if the hearing goes forward, "Rihanna will be there, and will answer all questions truthfully."TMZ: Rihanna -- See You Downtown, Chris Brown (June 11, 2009)
Infamous Photo

On February 19, 2009, TMZ.com posted a photo of a woman resembling Rihanna with a bruised and battered face. The photo was assumed to have been taken after Rihanna was allegedly assaulted by Brown.TMZ: Rihanna - Face of a Battered Woman (February 19, 2009) The Los Angeles police department launched an investigation into the leaking of the photo, stating that the department "takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence."E! Online: Police Investigating Rihanna Photo Leak (February 19, 2009)
Warning from Oprah

In early March of 2009, Oprah Winfrey reached out to Rihanna on The Oprah Winfrey Show following the alleged February 8th assault from her boyfriend Chris Brown stating "Love doesn't hurt and if a man hits you once he will hit you again. I don't care what his plea is; he will hit you again." Winfrey plans to dedicate an upcoming show to "all the Rihannas of the world" citing the statistics that in the U.S., "one out of four women are being battered by their boyfriends."Telegraph: Oprah Winfrey urges Rihanna to leave Chris Brown (March 9, 2009)
Bloodstained Gown

E! News reported on March 4, 2009 that Rihanna's bloodstained $11,000 strapless Gucci gown is among the evidence collected in the investigation of the singer's alleged domestic abuse incident with boyfriend Chris Brown.E Online: Chris Brown Evidence Includes... (March 4, 2009)
The Infamous Text Message

TMZ.com reported on March 5, 2009, that according to police notes, the alleged February 8th assault by Chris Brown started when Rihanna read a three-page text message on Brown's cell phone from another woman. The angered Brown then reportedly tried to force Rihanna out of his car, shoved her head into the passenger's side window, punched her, bit her on the ear and put her in a headlock. She was said to have sent a text to her assistant telling her to call the cops.TMZ: Shocking Blow-By-Blow (March 5, 2009) Brown was charged with two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats.Los Angeles Times: CHris Brown Charged With Felonies (March 5, 2009) His arraignment was set for April 6, 2009.
Rihanna Pregnant?

Star Magazine reports in its March 9, 2009, issue that Rihanna suspected she was pregnant with boyfriend Chris Brown's child. She was seen at the OB-GYN at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles days before she was allegedly assaulted by Brown. Insiders told the magazine that Rihanna was afraid that she was pregnant with Brown's baby and that "she was scared he would react badly" to the news.Star Magazine: On the Cover: Was Rihanna Pregnant? (February 25, 2009) Star Magazine: On the Cover: Was Rihanna Pregnant? (February 25, 2009)
Borrowed Jewelry

Rihanna's attorney filed a motion on April 22, 2009, asking the Los Angeles Police Department to return $1.4 million in jewelry that was taken as evidence in connection with the February 2009 incident with boyfriend Chris Brown.MSNBC: Rihanna Wants $1.4M Worth of Jewelry Returned On April 29th, a judge released the borrowed jewelry to be returned to the owner. A photo of the jewelry was taken in case it is needed for the trial.TMZ: Rihanna Jewels Released from Custody! (April 29, 2009)
Frankie Delgado

On March 27, 2009, Perez Hilton reported that the singer had been seen dancing in a New York nightclub with Bromance star Frankie Delgado. Tabloid sources had reported that Rihanna had been seen giving the Bromance star a lap dance, but Delgado has denied those reports.Perez Hilton: Rihanna Coizes up to Delgado? (March 27, 2009)E Online: Was Rihanna Really Giving... (March 27, 2009)
Albums
- 2005: Music of the Sun
- 2006: A Girl Like Me
- 2007: Good Girl Gone Bad
- 2009: Untitled fourth studio album
Career

At the age of 15, Rihanna received her big break when one of her friends introduced her to music producer Evan Rogers, who was vacationing in Barbados with his wife. Rogers, along with his partner, Carl Sturken, helped Rihanna record material in the U.S. that was then sent to various recording companies. One copy was sent to Jay-Z, who eventually signed Rihanna to Def Jam.
Brown's Apology

Brown issued a public apology in mid July via video for assaulting Rihanna, stating that he was "very ashamed" of his actions.SF Gate: Brown asks for fans' forgiveness for Rihanna assault (July 21, 2009)