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Chris Brown Speaks Out, Is 'Seeking' Help

By Kit Bowen | Monday, February 16, 2009

Chris Brown at the Salute To Icons Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala. Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA. 02-07-09

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Chris Brown finally speaks out about allegedly beating up girlfriend Rihanna.

The 19-year-old R&B singer, who surrendered to Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 and was released on $50,000 bail after being booked for investigation of making a criminal threat, a felony, said Sunday he is "sorry and saddened" by what happened and is seeking counseling from his pastor and loved ones, the Associated Press reports. He also said much of what has been reported of the incident is untrue, although he did not elaborate.

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person," Brown said in a statement issued through publicist Michael Sitrick.

"Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and-or reported in the media is wrong," he added. But he said he couldn't discuss that in detail until his case is resolved.

He also said he has not posted any comments about the incident on Facebook or any other Web site. "Those posts or writings under my name are frauds," he said.

Brown's biological dad, Clinton Brown -- a 44-year-old corrections officer who spoke to People magazine from outside his home in Tappahannock, Va., not far from where Brown's mother, Joyce Hawkins, lives -- says he spoke to his son Thursday. "He needed some time to get his thoughts together and regroup."

"He's very concerned about the situation and he wants to make sure that [Rihanna is] okay. This is unfortunate -- this stumble, this situation. Hopefully, he will get past it. We all have our shortcomings. We all trip." Clinton Brown adds that his son is "very remorseful."

Rihanna, 20, was released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Monday after being treated for injuries that Brown has been accused of inflicting and has been cooperating with the authorities in the investigation. She postponed concerts scheduled for Thursday and tonight in Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Clinton Brown told People he thinks Chris' true fans will stick by him through this ordeal. "If you are on his side, you are on his side," he said. "Just because someone trips, if you are truly a fan, you are not going to demonize him instantaneously."

But he added, "This music industry is very unforgiving when it comes to having indiscretions. He will continue to be a good person. He loves people. And like most of us, most humans, things will occur. And hopefully a person won't be judged simply on that alone."

The repercussions are already taking effect. Wrigley Gum pulled all Doublemint ads featuring Brown earlier this week, and the avid basketball fan also canceled his scheduled appearances at the NBA All-Star Game festivities this weekend.

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