This is obviously not the photo we’re talking about, TMZ has that photo.

TMZ has a photo of Rihanna’s injuries taken by the LAPD after the incident in which Chris Brown is said to have punched her, strangled her, and left her unconscious in a car when he fled. Sadly, the previous details about this story seem to be true as her eyes look black and blue, and her lips are puffy with cuts and blood. There are also two contusions across both sides of her forehead. This picture reminds me of a photo a relative sent me after she had a face lift it’s so bad.

In case there’s any doubt that it’s a real photo taken that night, the LAPD has issued a statement saying that take internal leaks of evidence very seriously and are looking for help finding the person responsible for giving the photo to the press. Given the way the picture is a little light looking as if it’s reflecting a flash, someone may have taken a cell phone photo of it and sold it to TMZ:

Los Angeles: The unauthorized release of a domestic violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation.

At about 7 p.m. on February 19, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Section began receiving numerous inquiries about the release of a photograph associated with a domestic violence incident that occurred on February 8, 2009, involving entertainer Chris Brown. The photograph appeared on an entertainment website. The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation.

The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence.

The Department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel complaint.

A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination.

Anyone with information concerning the unauthorized release of the photograph is asked to call, during regular business hours, (213) 485-4152. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to our 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or
log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.

[From PDF File available on TMZ]

There are still going to be fools defending Chris Brown even after this photo is out, but what can you say? He committed a terrible act of violence against the woman he supposedly loved, and all he had to say for himself was that he was “sorry and saddened… over what transpired.” Many of you have pointed out how passive that statement is, like the beating is something that just happened to him too. Several of his family members have told the press how Chris is doing, and how he’s coping as if anyone gives a shit or wishes him well.

Jay-Z’s statement on this is one that really brings it home to me: “Just imagine it being your sister or mom and then think about how we should talk about that.” I also like how unequivocally John Legend worded his statement “If Chris did what they said he did, that’s unacceptable. He has to accept the consequences of it.”

Seeing that picture of Rihanna in that state makes me want to give her a hug and make her some food. She looks so down and my heart goes out to her. Chris Brown should be dropped by every company that ever had anything to do with him.

According to E! Online, Brown may face more serious consequences than just losing his career, all his money and high end toys. He is being investigated for attempted murder after Rihanna reported that he told her he was going to kill her before strangling her into unconsciousness and fleeing the scene:

At the request of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, the R&B star is being investigated for a variety of felonies, including domestic violence, assault resulting in great bodily injury and—based on specific allegations made by Rihanna—even attempted murder, a source close to the L.A. Police Department’s investigation tells E! News.

But as they build their case, the source says, prosecutors fear that making any serious felony charges stick could prove difficult in a case where there are no direct witnesses other than Rihanna and Brown.
Brown is accused of beating his longtime girlfriend in the early morning hours of Feb. 8, causing them both to cancel their scheduled Grammy performances that night.

Rihanna told police that, while the two were fighting in his rented Lamborghini, Brown said to her, “I’m going to kill you,” while his hands were around her neck. The Barbados-born songstress, who is reportedly cooperating with the cops’ investigation, also told authorities that Brown choked her until she lost consciousness.

[From E! Online]

Brown has hired a crisis management type PR firm, but how is he going to respond to that allegation? The only way he can even partially redeem himself to the public is to admit that he has a serious problem, that he’s trying to understand it, and should never have laid a finger on Rihanna. It’s not like he can deny it happened. Given that there’s an investigation pending, his lawyers may advise him against admitting guilt though. It’s hard to see how this can end in a way that will allow Brown to continue to have any kind of career entertaining the public.