Brown-Rihanna Deal in Works for Book, Tour

LAPD officers sent home over potential photo link

(NEWSER) - A pair of LAPD officers have been put on paid leave as part of the department’s investigation into who leaked a picture of Rihanna’s battered face to TMZ, the Los Angeles Times reports. One, Rebecca Reyes, is a 9-year veteran of the force; the other, Blanca Lopez, is a rookie. Reyes’ attorney confirmed that a search warrant had been issued for her home. More»

Speaking out for first time since attacking Rihanna, singer says he's still shocked

(NEWSER) - Chris Brown spoke out for the first time since his assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna, but “spoke” is a relative term. “Wow” was the word he used most often to describe to CNN's Larry King the shock he still feels about the incident. “No, I don't” remember doing it, he says. “It's like, it's crazy to me. I'm like, wow. I just look at it like, wow, I'm in shock.” More»

Joyce Hawkins says assault is a lesson from God

(NEWSER) - Chris Brown’s mother is speaking out for the first time since her son's assault on Rihanna, thanking fans for supporting him, E! reports. “I can now say this has been the most painful moment in my entire life,” Joyce Hawkins writes on his fan club website. “This whole thing isn't about Chris, it's about God. He wants to show all of you the goodness of him through Chris.” More»

Singer's lawyer wants case thrown out if cops were responsible

(NEWSER) - The case against Chris Brown could be dismissed if a pending probe finds cops were responsible for leaking photos of a battered Rihanna, his lawyer tells E! Online. A Los Angeles judge scheduled the preliminary hearing for May 28 in response to the lawyer's request for a delay in anticipation of the results of the investigation. The judge also released $1.4 million in jewelry Rihanna was wearing during the alleged assault. More»

(NEWSER) - Rihanna still hasn't surfaced, but she's doing "fine," says her grandmother. "I don't want people to worry," Clara Brathwaite told the Barbados newspaper Daily Nation. "Rihanna is fine and she is doing well." Brathwaite rejected rumors that her granddaughter, a native of Barbados, suffered a broken nose in her alleged confrontation with Chris Brown. Meanwhile, police in LA presented a case to the DA against Brown, but prosecutors asked for more investigation, the AP notes. He remains free on bail. More»