Chris Brown’s Not A Monster, Or So He Says

The 20-year-old R&B singer was arrested Feb. 8 for allegedly beating up fellow singer and then-girlfriend Rihanna during an argument while driving home from Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy Awards party.

After being charged with two felonies – assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and making criminal threats – Brown pleaded not guilty April 6.

Back in February Brown issued a statement saying “words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired.” Since then he has mostly kept out of the public eye.

Here’s what Brown had to say to fans during a bowling match with Bow Wow:

“I just wanna say ‘What up?’ because I ain’t been out there in a minute.

“Everybody that’s haters, they just been haters. All my real fans, I love you all. I ain’t a monster,” he said.

He also makes reference to rumors that he was given a black eye by Jay-Z or a member of Rihanna’s entourage. Brown says, “All the blog sites are liars. You guys lie. No black eye.”

Brown promises fans he “ain’t going nowhere” because he’s working on a new album called Graffiti with a single set to be released this summer.

During today’s court hearing, a judge rejected a motion by Brown’s attorneys to receive police and investigative records on the ground that it was premature. Attorney Mark Geragos was told he could file the motion again at the preliminary hearing June 22.

Rihanna was supposed to perform in Dubai today but pulled out of the concert earlier this month. Vibe Entertainment Managing Director Yassin Matbouly said, “We heard it was inappropriate timing for her to have a public concert.”

She is expected to make an appearance at Brown’s preliminary hearing as a possible witness in the case. Her attorney said Rihanna is going to receive a subpoena to testify and that she will comply with the order. The preliminary hearing will determine if there’s another evidence to continue a case against Brown.

If Brown is convicted of the felony charges, his sentence could range from probation to four years and eight months in state prison.

Brown’s legal troubles don’t stop there. Yesterday he was sued by a photographer who claims he was chased by Brown’s bodyguards and assaulted after he took a picture of Brown and his friends playing basketball at L.A. Fitness, according to CNN.com. Plaintiff Robert Rosen said he then fell down a flight of stairs trying to run away.

Rosen is seeking compensation for his injuries, medical expenses and loss of earnings, claiming assault and battery, emotional distress and negligence. The suit also named the gym.

Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, called the lawsuit frivolous and said it was just a “paparazzi seeking publicity and a payday.”
Rosen filed a similar lawsuit against actor Pierce Brosnan in 2007. That suit was dismissed.

Read the AP article here.

Read the CNN.com story here.