On Friday (February 20), Rihanna made her first public statement since her alleged altercation with Chris Brown.

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," reads a statement from her representatives. "She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

The statement comes after a photo, apparently showing the singer shortly after the alleged altercation, was published by TMZ on Thursday night. The photo, evidently leaked by a source within the Los Angeles Police Department, prompted an internal investigation by the LAPD.

The timing of the leak is especially unfortunate, since Friday is Rihanna's 21st birthday.

Also on Friday, People.com and OK! magazine's Web site published a photo of the singer in a car in Los Angeles on Thursday night, reportedly on her way to an airport.

A week after the alleged incident, Brown released a statement, saying he was "sorry and saddened ... over what transpired" and was "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.

"Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong," Brown's statement continued. "While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say."

Rihanna's father spoke with media outlets about the photo leak on Friday, calling it "sloppy work on [the LAPD's] part."

Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse.

By MTV News staff
Cited by MTV

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