Chris Brown has publicly apologised for assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna. The R'n'B artist says he "thought it was time you heard directly from me that I am sorry", in a two-minute video message posted on his official website.
"I cannot go into what happened, and most importantly am not going to sit here and make any excuses," continued the 20-year-old. "I take great pride in me being able to exercise self-control, and what I did was inexcusable. I am very saddened and very ashamed of what I have done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that."
Chris goes on to say he is seeking help "to ensure what happened in February can never happen again", and wants to live his life so that he is worthy of the term as "role model."
In another part of the video he speaks about growing up in a home where there was domestic violence. "I saw first-hand what uncontrolled rage can do," he says.
He also says he has apologised to Rihanna countless times. "And I am telling you today, that I am truly sorry and that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," he stresses. Last month, the singer pleaded guilty to felony assault in a plea bargain which spared him jail time. He'll be sentenced to five years probation and six months of community service which he can undertake in his home state of Virginia. He will also complete a year of domestic violence classes and pay fines.
The singer is forbidden from phoning, e-mailing or texting Rihanna, and has been ordered to stay 50 yards away from her, except at industry events when the distance is reduced to ten yards. He'll be sentenced on August 5 when a judge will consider Rihanna's request for a less-restrictive order.
