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The Leaked Rihanna Photo: 2 Officers Placed On Leave
AP Photo/Matt Sayles
Two officers have been placed on paid leave as a probe continues into how a battered photo of Rihanna was leaked to TMZ, according to four unnamed sources speaking to the LA Times. In the early morning hours before the Grammys last February, Chris Brown threatened and assaulted Rihanna, his girlfriend, after a dispute. About a week and a half later, TMZ posted a leaked police photo of Rihanna showing cuts and bruises. The celebrity website was very hush-hush on where they obtained it and the LAPD asked the public's help in the case.
"The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence," read a press release. "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."
Sources identify the suspects to the Times as officers Rebecca M. Reyes of Wilshire Division and her roommate, Blanca Lopez of Hollenbeck Division. Reyes' attorney wouldn't confirm if his client had taken or ever possessed the photo, adding that she "did not do anything for financial gain... She did not sell the photo.” LAPD Officials are also not commenting on details of the investigation or if any officers have been placed on leave.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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