American singer and songwriter Chris Brown was arrested on February 8, 2009, after a violent altercation with his then-girlfriend Rihanna in a rented sports car following a pre-Grammy party. According to reporting based on the police affidavit, Brown tried to push Rihanna from the car, repeatedly hit her, and choked her. He left the scene and later turned himself in to authorities during the Grammy Awards, where he and Rihanna had both been scheduled to perform. Rihanna later discussed the assault publicly in interviews with Diane Sawyer for Good Morning America and 20/20, describing the violence and the emotional damage that followed. Brown was charged with assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats.
Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in June 2009 and was formally sentenced in August 2009 to five years of probation, six months of community labor, and domestic violence counseling. The case became a major celebrity scandal because Brown had been widely marketed as a young, clean-cut R&B star and because the assault involved another internationally known performer. His public image was damaged by the criminal case, the graphic descriptions of Rihanna’s injuries, and the broader public conversation about domestic violence. Brown’s apologia included a prepared video statement released in July 2009 and later televised interviews, including an appearance with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. In those responses, Brown emphasized remorse, said he was seeking help, described his conduct as inexcusable, and attempted to rebuild his reputation by saying he wanted to become worthy of being considered a role model.
Key Apologia Strategies:
Mortification, Corrective Action, Bolstering
Video
Transcript
Sample Statements from Brown’s TMZ Video:
I’m not going to sit here and make any excuses. What I did was inexcusable.
I wish I had the chance to live those few moments again, but unfortunately I can’t.
I am very sad and very ashamed of what I’ve done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that.
I have told Rihanna countless times, and I’m telling you today, that I am truly, truly sorry that I wasn’t able to handle the situation differently and better.
As many of you know, I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence, and I saw first-hand what uncontrolled rage could do. I have sought and I am continuing to seek help to ensure that what occurred in February can never happen again.
What I did was unacceptable, 100 percent. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me, please.
