Harvey Levin, the executive producer of TMZ, one of the web's biggest celeb news and gossip sites, went on Fox News' On the Record show on Friday night.
The purpose of his visit? To address the escalating controversy surrounding the battered Rihanna photo, which the LAPD has insinuated was leaked illegally.
"Now, I should be quick to say that we got this picture legally," a Fox News transcript of the show quotes the celebrity gossip publisher as saying.
"And we - when we got the picture, we believed it was not an LAPD picture, and we still are still not convinced it is. The police department is sounding like they say it is, but they haven't said that unequivocally, either."
The Los Angeles Police Department has not officially identified Rihanna as the alleged victim in the Chris Brown case, in which the entertainer was arrested and charged with battery and suspicion of criminal threats February 8.
The LAPD launched an internal investigation after 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."
Levin said TMZ has heard a lot of rumors surrounding what Rihanna will do next in regards to Brown, but most of what they have heard is unsubstantiated.
"There are a lot of rumors going around about this case, and I don't really put a lot of credence in any of them, which is why we haven't put any of that stuff up on the site, because I don't think it's concrete enough," he said.
"But I think the fact is, with those pictures, I've got to tell you, I mean, I don't think the DA is going to be completely stymied if she doesn't cooperate."
We have not posted the photo in question on our homepage as it is so graphic. Follow the jump to see how badly Rihanna was hurt:
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13 Comments
February 23rd, 2009 1:48 PM
Ack.
February 23rd, 2009 1:48 PM
hey rihanna happy belated birthday i am sorry about your injuries i hope you get better soon i feel for you and keep up your good songs don't let anything stop you i love as my friend
February 23rd, 2009 5:11 PM
Hey rihanna get well soon , im with you every step of the way girl, our hearts in ireland beat for you, your in our thoughts and prayers girl, jesus loves you forever and ever amen. in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit amen girl. Love you get well soon XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Slan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
February 23rd, 2009 11:32 PM
OMG LOOK AT YOUR FACE YOUR PREETY BUST UP GIRL YOU GONE NEED ALOT OF MAKEUP FOR THAT WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAKE HIM SO UPSET ANYWAY YOUR IN MY PRAYERS AND DONT PRESS CHARGES CAUSE HIS FANS WILL START A RIOT AND KEEP UP WITH THE GOOD WORK
February 24th, 2009 8:01 AM
I fell very sad for you...
Hope your face gets better
"He" is a cruel guy!
February 24th, 2009 8:07 AM
sry I meant feel
February 24th, 2009 10:24 AM
oh my God, rihannah dats riily sad! am rilly mad at c.b bt u know he'z a nyc guy and come on your acute gal so no one deserves such brutality. so then decide wether to move back or move on. athawiz, u will get beta and u'l stil hav me as afun. love you so much rih. tek care. mwah!
February 24th, 2009 1:50 PM
Kia ora Rihanna far look wat he dd to u far hes a mole aye nemind eni1 jus 4get about him bt if u cant den yea bt u should yea yea
February 26th, 2009 4:19 PM
you shudint hit a girl. but thats men for ya
February 27th, 2009 11:04 AM
omg! i feel sad for u!u r so hurt but i am sure u upset him so much! he didn`nt mean it plz dont press charges against him i luv u!