LAPD Releases Statement Regarding TMZ Photo Showing Beaten Rihanna

Posted on February 20, 2009

The LAPD released a statement regarding the photograph of Rihanna posted by TMZ that shows the young singer was clearly beaten by her attacker, Chris Brown. The injuries look similar to those that have been described in reports. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) says the photo was an unauthorized release and they are looking for the person responsible for leaking it. They have also launched an "immediate internal investigation."

The LAPD says, "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 LAPD also says, "A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination."

In addition to trying to figure out who leaked the photo, the LAPD is also busy investigating the more important matter - Chris Brown's attack on Rihanna. E Online says the D.A. wants more evidence so they can make more serious felony charges against assaulter Chris Brown.

People magazine is reporting that Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty says that the release of a photograph by TMZ that shows Rihanna badly beaten is both good and bad. Rihanna's father says the photo is "disturbing" but he also thinks that it will help people "grasp the situation a lot better." He said some people may be incorrectly thinking Rihanna's injuries are not all that bad.

Fenty says, "It's good and it's bad to see the picture because there's other people who were thinking differently, that [Rihanna's injuries] may not be that bad, just a little spank or a little thing."

Update: The L.A. Times says officers suspected of leaking the photograph won't be charged.


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