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It May Be Curtains for Squeaky-Clean Brown

Brown's success built on good-guy image

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 10, 2009 12:17 PM CST

(AP) – At this point, Chris Brown would have been better off getting caught with a bong. At least then the scandal enveloping his white-hot career could have been dismissed by some as a youthful indiscretion. But Brown's arrest after an alleged assault on Rihanna has potentially devastating implications for the 19-year-old heartthrob because it unravels the charming, wholesome image that fans know and love.

Brown rose to fame as a sweet-faced 16-year-old with an engaging voice and amazing dance skills and has been pitched at a teen idol who, despite having considerable sex appeal, is still ultimately safe. “I don't think anyone saw this coming,” said one industry insider. If the allegations are true, “his career is probably over," noted another.

In this June 6, 2008 file photo, the audience reaches out to touch singer Chris Brown during his appearance on NBC's Today show.
In this June 6, 2008 file photo, the audience reaches out to touch singer Chris Brown during his appearance on NBC's Today show.   (Richard Drew)
Chris Brown arrives at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.
Chris Brown arrives at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Singers Rihanna and Chris Brown perform at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 in New York.
Singers Rihanna and Chris Brown perform at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
News media and paparazzi wait for singer Chris Brown to be released from the Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Division station in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 8, 2009.
News media and paparazzi wait for singer Chris Brown to be released from the Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Division station in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 8, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mad
Feb 11, 2009 6:31 AM CST
How does hitting a bong equate to hitting a person? One is a victimless crime the other is assault. Sheesh
PhillytoWinnetka
Feb 11, 2009 12:24 AM CST
For all we know this was an attempt to get him some "street cred" that back-fired majorly.
Guest
Feb 10, 2009 10:05 PM CST
I've always thought that he was creepy looking. Kinda alien. Now I know why.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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