The Kapio Newspress

Issue date: 7/21/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: AP Chris Brown was sentenced to five years of probation and 1,400 hours of community service.

A two-minute YouTube video, singer Chris Brown publicly apologizes for assaulting his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna.

Last month Brown pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge in a plea deal under which he will serve five years of probation and do about 1,400 hours of "labor oriented service." Sentencing is set for Aug. 5.

"I have told Rihanna countless times, and I'm telling you today, that I'm truly, truly sorry in that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," Brown said in the video.

On Feb. 8 at a pre-Grammy's Award party, Brown beat Rihanna while they argued inside a rented Lamborghini on a Hollywood street. Brown punched Rihanna repeatedly and put her in a headlock, restricting her breathing, which almost caused her to lose consciousness. He also bit her ears and fingers.

"What I did was unacceptable, 100 percent," Brown also said in the video. "I can only pray that you forgive me. Please."

According to a sworn statement by Los Angeles Police Detective DeShon Andrews, the February altercation is said to have began when Rihanna - whose real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty - found a text message on Brown's cell phone from "a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with."

"I take great pride in me being able to exercise self-control, and what is did was inexcusable," Brown said. "I am very sad and very ashamed of what I've done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that."

According to the sworn statement, the physical attack followed the verbal argument that took place. Brown also threatened to kill Rihanna.

Rihanna then began to scream for help and exited the vehicle.

Brown's probation requires him to complete domestic violence counseling. Also, Brown may not have contact with Rihanna until that is completed.

"As many of you know, I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence, and I saw firsthand what uncontrolled rage can do," Brown said. "I have sought and I am continuing to seek help to ensure that what occurred in February can never happen again. And as I sit here today, I can tell you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that it never happens again. I promise that."

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