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Rihanna Named Victim in Chris Brown Assault by Media, LAPD Won't Confirm

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It's been all-but-official: Rihanna was the victim of criminal threats and domestic violence from longtime boyfriend Chris Brown, so says the internet and an Associated Press report that makes it seem offiical.

"There's all kinds of crap out there," an officer at LAPD Media Relations said about the rumors flying around. By law, the LAPD cannot release the name of a victim of domestic violence, unless that victim gives permission. In this case, "she hasn't given permission," the officer said.

Last night, the LAPD said this was their final update (here's LAist's background on the incident from last night):

At around 6:30 P.M. on February 8, 2009 R&B Entertainer Chris Brown turned himself in to authorities at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division. Detectives investigating the alleged Domestic Violence Felony Battery booked him for Criminal Threats. At the time the case is presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, additional charges may be filed. It will be up the LA County DA to review the case and determine which charge or charges will be most appropriate. Brown posted $50,000 bail and was released. The suspect lists his residence as Washington, Virginia. The Los Angeles Police Department will not be issuing any further statements or updates in this case.

The original LAPD press release said:

R&B Entertainer Under Investigation for Domestic Violence Felony Battery

Los Angeles: Around 12:30 a.m. on February 8, 2009, an alleged domestic violence felony battery involving R & B singer Chris Brown and a woman occurred.

Brown and the woman were in a vehicle on North June street in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles when, according to the victim, they became involved in an argument. After stopping his car, Brown and the woman got out and the argument escalated. The woman suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker.

The Los Angeles Police Department received a 911 call reporting the disturbance. When officers arrived they found the victim, but Brown had already left the scene. The LAPD is conducting an investigation into the incident.

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