Chris Brown: “I Ain’t a Monster”

In the months since their no-show at the Grammy Awards, both Chris Brown and then-girlfriend Rihanna have tried to stay out of the limelight. That has not stopped the media from uncovering the details of the incident, which allegedly involves a fight between the two young musicians that resulted in a beaten Rihanna and felony assault charges for Brown.

However, Brown has finally broken his silence, in a somewhat unconventional way. The twenty-year-old R&B star released a short video to Youtube, a popular streaming video website. During the video, Brown speaks directly to the camera, commenting on his upcoming album, thanking his loyal fans, and commenting indirectly on the backlash from the charges against him. Though he does not affirm or deny anything, he concludes that he “ain’t a monster.”

Legally, the truth of Brown’s innocence is still undecided, especially as the case against him continues to get bogged down in legal proceedings. Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, has been researching the LAPD’s handling of the case, trying to discern if there was police misconduct, which could nullify the state’s case against Brown.

Such suspicions are not wholly unfounded, especially since it is already public knowledge that the LAPD has not been perfect in its discretion involving the case. Days after the alleged incident occurred, police photos showed up online, including an up close shot of Rihanna’s face, clearly documenting the bruising.

Another hearing regarding Brown’s case is slated for Thursday. Brown’s representatives have had no comment on his Youtube release.