Rihanna

Word that the LAPD is still investigating Chris Brown for allegedly beating Rihanna earlier this month raises the question: will he actually do time?

So far, no charges of any kind have been filed against Brown, 19, who was arrested February 8 for allegedly assaulting and threatening the R&B star, 21.

He was booked for making criminal threats – a felony – but the case has not been presented to the D.A., who will ultimately determine what charges to file.

Ultimately, the injuries suffered by the victim will determine whether the singer faces a charge carrying a likely penalty of probation – or go to jail.

As shocking as the high-profile case is, even ugly-looking domestic assaults don't necessarily mean automatic jail terms, according to legal experts.

For a first-time defendant, as Chris Brown would be, the charge would hinge largely on how badly the victim was injured. The victim's cooperation with authorities and whether the victim initiated the fight are less important factors.

"After examining the evidence, the injuries usually speak for themselves," says an L.A. defense attorney. "Either they rise to a felony level or they don't."

The distinction between a misdemeanor charge and felony is an important one. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to a year in county jail, but most domestic violence cases ultimately result in just probation and counseling.

Meanwhile, Rihanna has resurfaced on the beach in Punta Mita, Mexico, having previously spent time in Los Angeles and her native Barbados since the attack.

She does not appear to show any of the bruising that was so visible in the chilling leaked police photo that sparked controversy and an internal investigation.

The images were reportedly snapped at a private villa on Saturday. Click to enlarge two more Rihanna pictures from the beach in Mexico ...

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Chris Brown's scheduled court appearance might be off, according to reports.

The R&B singer's initial arraignment date was set for March 5 following his arrest earlier this month for his allegedly severe beating of Rihanna.

But his court appearance "may not happen,” and may be pushed back, Los Angeles district attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison tells E! News.

“We don’t have the evidence yet. [Los Angeles police detectives] are still investigating,” says Robison. “If [detectives] determine that they require more time, then they’ll set a new date for [Brown] to return to court.”

Once the LAPD finishes its investigation, prosecutors must decide whether to file felony charges, reject the charges if evidence is insufficient, or refer the case to the city attorney’s office if they decide the behavior was simply a misdemeanor.

Depending on the decision, Chris Brown may not even have to appear.

“He only has to come back if and when we file charges,” says Robison.

On Wednesday, an LAPD source also told E! News, “The D.A. is being even more thorough than usual with this case. They don’t want to mess it up.”

Prosecutors have ordered the LAPD to seek evidence for a variety of felony offenses, including domestic violence, assault resulting in great bodily injury and - based on specific allegations made by Rihanna - even attempted murder.

But making any serious felony charges stick could prove difficult in a case where there are no direct witnesses other than Rihanna and Chris Brown.

While he has yet to face formal charges, Chris Brown, who is free on bail, is taking anger management classes in a preemptive move to repair his image.

Should he be charged and convicted, such a course would almost be a certain part of his sentence. The enrollment is said to have been masterminded by PR / crisis manager Michael Sitrick, whom Brown hired in the wake of his arrest.

Troubled R&B singer Chris Brown, who was arrested two weeks ago on suspicion of making criminal threats against girlfriend Rihanna, has started attending anger management classes in Glendale, Calif., on Monday, according to reports.

According to a source, Brown opted to seek anger management counseling at the behest of his public relations spin doctor, Michael Sitrick.

"Chris doesn't actually have to go by law," a New York Daily News insider says, "but he believes it will make him look better to the public, and he wants to try to get in a few classes before March 5," when he is due back in court.

The February 7 incident - in which Brown hit, choked and threatened Rihanna, leaving her with cuts and bruises to her forehead, lips and cheeks - didn't just leave Rihanna looking like this. It severely tarnished Brown's good-guy image.

But insiders believe he's not the only one with anger issues: "Rihanna is temperamental, too," says a snitch. "They're both too hot-headed for their own good."

Adds another source, in reference to a detail in the police report: "It didn't help that Rihanna grabbed the keys out of his rented Lamborghini and threw them down the street. She knew it would really infuriate Chris, and it worked."

The hottest couple in music is likely finished romantically after this, but when will their paths cross again physically? How about at Brown's trial.

"She'll be there - she has to testify," confirms a source close to the case, who does not foresee any jail time for Brown, regardless of Rihanna's level of cooperation. "If Chris is convicted, it would be his first offense. He won't go to prison."

Click to enlarge some photos of Rihanna and Chris Brown ...

The Los Angeles Police Department is still investigating the leak into who provided celebrity gossip site TMZ with a chilling photo of a battered Rihanna that was taken shortly after she was allegedly assaulted by Chris Brown on February 8.

"They said they were looking into it vigorously," LAPD spokesman Lt. John Romero said, referring to a statement made by a superior officer. "We are not talking about the protocols because it will relate to this investigation."

A law-enforcement source tells E! News that the police believe they have identified the computer they believe to be the one from which the photo originated.

They have not figured out who transferred the image.

For its part, TMZ has said the photo was obtained legally. The site also says it believed it was not an LAPD photo, and are still not convinced that it is.

Per protocol, the LAPD has not formally identified Rihanna as the victim of what transpired between her and Brown on the morning of the Grammy Awards.

In announcing the investigation into the leak, authorities would only say that the photo was taken "during an official domestic violence investigation."

Meanwhile, the investigation into Chris Brown continues as well.

Police sources say prosecutors are looking for evidence to build the toughest possible felony case against the R&B star, who was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats but may ultimately face a variety of felony charges.

What happened to Rihanna is NOT a laughing matter.

There is NO excuse for domestic violence (not even the catch-all "he's human," sorry T.I.) and this ranks as one of the saddest stories we've covered in nearly three years immersed in the celeb gossip industry - one we wish we never had to.

Yes, Chris Brown is entitled to due process and blah, blah, blah ... but if he is indeed responsible for the beating depicted in that infamous Rihanna photo, well, the fool deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

That said, if we can't enjoy a little humor in our lives, what's the point? And isn't it time Rihanna kicked this loser to the curb - with musical flair?

So we ask, in somewhat poor taste: if Rihanna were to dedicate a remix to her "allegedly" abusive boyfriend, which would it be?

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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In her first statement since she was allegedly attacked by beau Chris Brown, Rihanna thanked fans for their support but is declining to address the felonious accusations against her boyfriend, citing an ongoing police investigation.

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," read a statement released by Rubenstein Associates.

"She wants to assure fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

The statement comes after TMZ released a chilling Rihanna photo that shows her battered face with bruises on her forehead, bloody lips and other marks.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the leak which LAPD Chief William Bratton said is "an embarrassment to this department" and possibly a criminal conspiracy offense that could result in up to three years in prison.

Chris Brown remains under investigation for the attack on Rihanna before the Grammy awards in L.A. on February 8. An apparent "booty call text message" triggered an argument that ultimately left her badly hurt and unconscious.

Both stars were due to perform at the awards show, but subsequently dropped out; Brown surrendered to the authorities as the ceremony was under way.

Since the alleged attack, both stars have kept a low profile, but Brown did issue a brief statement of remorse last weekend. His apology stated, in part, "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired."

The statement did not mention Rihanna by name.

Friday was Rihanna's 21st birthday. The platinum-selling star canceled a big b-day bash in New York and postponed concerts overseas following the incident.

A photo of Rihanna showing bad facial bruises allegedly sustained in an assault by Chris Brown has been posted by celeb gossip site TMZ. It is rather disturbing.

The Los Angeles police department has launched an internal investigation over what it is calling an unauthorized release of the photo of Rihanna, clearly showing injuries she sustained from an alleged assault by Chris Brown two Sundays ago.

"The photo has the appearance of one taken during an official investigation," says a police statement. "The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence."

The LAPD said that Thursday evening it "began receiving numerous inquiries about the release of a photograph associated with a domestic violence incident that occurred on February 8, 2009, involving the entertainer Chris Brown."

There have been some bogus Rihanna pictures going around, but this one appears to be the real thing - a haunting close-up of the woman with her eyes closed and severe bruises and cuts covering her forehead, lips and cheeks.

We have elected not to post it on our homepage due to the upsetting nature of the photo, but you may follow the jump if you wish to view it:

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Amid a storm of controversy over the alleged, severe beating she received courtesy of boyfriend Chris Brown on February 8 and the ongoing investigation into the incident, Rihanna has not been seen publicly in nearly two weeks.

But we'd like to wish the singer - perhaps the world's most popular a happy 21st birthday today. May her star continue to shine brightly ...

Barbados beauty Rihanna (real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty) is 21 today!

Hopefully she has a nice, low-key day. Take a look at our calendar to see which celebrity birthdays are coming up next, and see if any star shares your special day.

Then click to enlarge a bunch of cool Rihanna photos - sans boyfriend ...

As bad as the last week has been, Chris Brown hasn't seen the half of it.

The R&B star is being investigated for a variety of felonies, including domestic violence, assault resulting in great bodily injury and - based on specific allegations made by Rihanna - even attempted murder, an E! Online source says.

But as they build their case, the source says, prosecutors fear that making any serious felony charges against him stick could prove difficult in a case in which there are no direct witnesses other than Chris Brown and Rihanna herself.

He's accused of beating his longtime girlfriend in the early morning of February 8, causing them both to cancel scheduled Grammy performances that night.

Rihanna told cops that, as the two fought in his rented Lamborghini, Brown said to his girlfriend, "I'm going to kill you," in addition to choking and beating her.

The Barbados-born songstress, who is reportedly cooperating with the investigation, also told authorities that Brown choked her until she lost consciousness.

Brown was booked by police on suspicion of making criminal threats, but the D.A. wanted further investigation into the attack before formally pressing charges.

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