RIHANNA HIT BY CHRIS: REPORT

RIHANNA HIT BY CHRIS: REPORT



LOS ANGELES - Singer Chris Brown was arrested yesterday after allegedly roughing up a woman - and his longtime girlfriend, Rihanna, a no-show at last night's Grammy Awards, was reportedly the victim.

Brown, a 19-year-old R&B star who had been scheduled to perform his love song "Forever" at the show, allegedly attacked 2007 Grammy-winner Rihanna, 20, after an argument in his car, according to E! News.

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Police didn't identify the victim - and would neither confirm nor deny it was the pop star.

Brown surrendered after being charged with making criminal threats, and was released later on $50,000 bail. He's being investigated for alleged domestic violence and felony battery, and more charges could be filed later, the LAPD said.

Rihanna was supposed to perform her hit single "Disturbia" last night, but canceled shortly before the show.

"We're sorry she is unable to join us," the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences said in a statement.

Soul legend Al Green performed with pop star Justin Timberlake in Rihanna's place.

Grammy officials made no mention of Brown's performance, but he didn't appear as scheduled.

Neither Rihanna, who was nominated in three categories, nor Brown, who was nominated twice, walked the red carpet.

While Brown appeared unscathed, Rihanna suffered visible bruises on her face after the fight, E! News reported.

Despite some reports that she was taken to a hospital, her publicist, Amanda Silverman, said the singer "is well. Thank you for your concern and support."

A spokeswoman for Brown's label declined comment, and calls to his attorney, Mark Geragos, weren't immediately returned.

Police said the assault took place in LA's Hancock Park neighborhood at around 12:30 a.m.

"After stopping his car, Brown and the woman got out and the argument escalated," a police statement said. "The woman suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker."

The couple had last been seen at a glitzy pre-Grammy bash Saturday night in the same neighborhood - and were photographed smiling, with Rihanna's arms around Brown.As Chris Brown negotiates a plea deal, the R&B singer is making it known Rihanna struck him first that infamous night in Los Angeles. Why does he think it matters?

Because he's negotiating a plea deal, according to TMZ, and has been charged with two felonies for allegedly beating his girlfriend Rihanna. If she hit him first, his lawyers believe, it's not a felony:

Sources say Rihanna was the first one to strike — slapping and striking Brown "numerous times" while he was driving, after seeing the text message from another woman.

Supposedly, this version of events is reflected in the official police report. Floating the story publicly fits perfectly into Brown's dual PR strategy of appearing remorseful even while shifting some blame for the beating to Rihanna.

But Brown needs a swift resolution. As this story drags out in the press, the singer's onetime fans are just growing more disgusted. After seeing Rihanna's police photo, or knowing what it shows, no one really cares what she did to Brown, who emerged physically unblemished.

Prosecutors no doubt realize that time is on their side and will leverage the huge advantage this gives them in negotiating a deal. They just have to keep their star witness from slipping away.