At the BET awards Keyshia Cole showed off a new tattoo that reads “Truly Blessed, D. Gibson.” D. Gibson is the initial and last name of her NBA boyfriend Daniel Gibson.
.¸¸.·`¯`·.¸¸.ஐ:
“I’ve got to say, that is Straight Official. That shows mad love. Nice one Keyshia. Keep making beautiful music. Blessings! ♥”
Check out June’s issue of S2S Magazine, Keyshia Cole talks about her relationship with her 2 moms, and how it’s not an easy task. She also talks about how she got Manny back. Check out some of the interview below…(excerpted from the June 2009 issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine)
When the late superstar LeftEye of TLC fame had something on her mind that she was just burning up to express, she would give me a call to put it in Sister 2 Sister. We would always oblige because that was our baby.
Now comes Keyshia Cole, another superstar (another one of my babies) who sometimes has something she needs to express, so she had her folks call. You can imagine that it created warm feelings in me for her. This time, Keyshia needed to deliver a message, and to emphasize that message by putting it in Sister 2 Sister. Her message is that the wonderful lady who raised her as if she were her biological mother, Yvonne Cole, should get her props alongside all of the props that her blood mother Frankie is getting. In this interview, you will see and feel how Keyshia loves them both and struggles with the idea that one would be raised up above the other. Not only that, she loves all her family and yearns to pull them all together, even the other children Frankie had who were raised by others unknown to them (Keyshia promises to find them and embrace them).
Such a little soul with such a big heart.
So, she came to the old farmhouse where I live (her mom Yvonne, sister Elite and her manager Manny in tow) and broke down all that she needed to say in the honest, heartfelt visit that you get to sit in on here.
Keyshia had other stuff on her mind too. She wanted to see my pastor, Keith Battle, with whom she spoke by phone in our last interview on the road out in my hometown Chicago. He’s amazing and funny, but he was serious this day. They talked about the nature of relationships between man and woman because Keyshia had read some Old Testament Scriptures about this topic that did not sit well with her. It was in Numbers. As you’ll see, Keyshia defines what the man of her dreams has to be like. She says she won’t settle for less.
There is also a big new Keyshia Cole CD that we needed to talk about, which we did, too. So come on my little babies, let’s all go inside my home and share with Keyshia Cole:
***
Jamie: Can you believe I’ve got Keyshia Cole over here? Look at her shoes. They’re so cute.
Keyshia: Well, these are alright.
Jamie: They’re just ordinary, right? [laughs] Keyshia is in town to get an award from the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, which is really a big honor. It’s an amazing child here. We have her adoptive mom, Yvonne Cole, and we have my pastor here, Pastor Keith Battle. Now, why is he here? Some time ago, Keyshia had been reading the Bible, remember that?
Keyshia: I still do.
Jamie: She came across [a passage in the Book of] Numbers about this adulteress woman who was given something to drink that rotted out her stomach. And Keyshia was like, “Why does the woman always have to be the one that’s punished?” So I let her speak to Pastor Keith on that. I thought it would be interesting if all four of us just sat down and kicked it today, so here we are.
Pastor Battle: Here we are.
Jamie: Pastor Keith Battle is my pastor and a lot of young people are in this congregation. He doesn’t look at [his services] as sermons. He teaches us and people really love him. But Keyshia had questions about men and women—their relationships—and she reads the Bible quite a lot. Now, Numbers—is that the Old Testament?
Pastor Battle: Yes.
Jamie: Keith, I think you had a question to ask about how Yvonne and Keyshia get along and how it all got started.
Pastor Battle: Yes, this is the first time I’ve heard your story. It’s a fascinating story. I’d be curious to know how you all’s relationship has grown over the years, particularly what things you tried to instill in her and what you see as a result of your labor over the years?
Yvonne: First, I am very proud of her. I knew she had it in her from a little kid. When I first found out she could sing, she was about 5 years old. We went to a school function and they were having like a talent show. Somehow or another, she slipped away from my hand. Then everybody started to applaud. Come to find out she was on the stage. She had won, I think, the $25 first prize. She didn’t know it was even a talent show going on. She just snuck up there and wanted to sing. But she always loved singing. I brought her up in church. She couldn’t sing in a choir for a while, but later on she got in the choir.
Jamie: How did you handle seeing her grow like that? When you become popular, there are things that you have to have given her defenses for. Did you have any say in the kinds of people who were around her?
Yvonne: I’ve been in church all my life and I’ve always told her to put God first and let Him guide her along. I was adding stuff like, “Okay, if you meet this guy, let me do the examining,” or whatever. And she would always kind of, “Well, Mom, what do you think about this guy? What did you think about that one?”
Jamie: How did you meet [your manager] Manny, Keyshia?
Keyshia: Actually, I met Manny through another manager that I had onboard before. Manny was a part of the deal with the other manager and I decided to just keep Manny because Manny was more of a businessman than the other guy was.
Jamie: So you looked for a businessman?
Keyshia: I also looked for loyalty. I also looked for a God-fearing person. In any relationship that I have, from family to getting married or my friends—anybody that is in my life, I look for loyal and God-fearing people.
Jamie: Baby [from Cash Money] is always saying, “Jamie, loyalty is royalty.”
Keyshia: It is. Actually, once upon a time I fired Manny because I thought he wasn’t doing as good as he could have been doing.
Jamie: Let me talk about that because people will tell you things against your manager or whoever is there with you. How do you guard against that?
Keyshia: It’s so not anybody ever telling me anything because I don’t listen to anybody. [laughter]
Jamie: Not even Manny?
Keyshia: No. It’s me telling my own self everything, really. I have a friend in Oakland, when I first went to LA, I would call her and be like, what do you think about such and such? Then I’d be like, you know what? I feel like it would probably be like this, that, and the other. She said, “I don’t even know why you call me.”
Jamie: Because you’re not going to listen to anybody?
Keyshia: “You’re not going to listen to me anyway and every time you ask me a question, you just answer it for yourself. You know the answer, Keyshia.” I’m like, “Cool.”
Jamie: So what happened when you thought that Manny wasn’t being businesslike?
Keyshia: I wasn’t big enough at the time. I was like, where’s my endorsements? Where are the things that I want? But it was also, “Keyshia, you have to go out there; you have to work harder.” And that was something that I learned regardless of going to a different management firm or letting go of that relationship with Manny, because really it was all hard work at the end of the day, regardless of who you’re with.
Find out how Keisha got Manny back when you pick up the June 2009 issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine. Make sure to also pick up July’s issue with Neffe & Frankie on the cover.
[more scans below]
Source: OnlyKeisha.com
“Great Interview!”
Keyshia Cole was spotted at the premiere party for E!’s new show “Candy Girls”. She’s pictured here wearing the same dress as Candy Girl’s cast member Terricka.
So tell us, who rocked it better?
Click on, “Who Rocked It Better?” to vote.
No Plea Yet For Chris Brown… Brown’s trial has been officially postponed until April 8. Rihanna likely won’t testify, however, which will make it harder for prosecutors to try Brown for allegedly beating her last month. Brown didn’t enter into a plea, but not to worry, guys: both his and Rihanna’s lawyer re-assured the 19-year-old in court that things would go smoothly.
—BlackBook wonders if this is the woman who sent Brown the three page text message that sparked the couple’s fight.
–During an interview with Wild 101 (“Idaho’s party station!”) rapper The Game, who has apparently been living in a remote champagne room for the past month, said that the Brown/Rihanna incident was “probably just a little cat and puppy fight.” Don’t ever speak to the media about anything ever again, The Game.
—Ghostface Killah, however, has written a sweet song for Rihanna. In it he tells the songstress to “protect your neck, that’s what Wu told you baby.”
♥ Chris Brown and Rihanna “A Complete Rundown Below”… ♥
The news shocked the entertainment world, yet celebrities were asked for their reactions regarding the Chris Brown assault case. Crazy, indeed, but with the stars of today not knowing the full breadth of the story, they chose to play it safe, with the man responsible for the victim’s career (Jay-Z) not saying anything about the situation at all.
Update: Rihanna can record Chris Brown, court documents show.
Rihanna made it clear through her lawyer at Thursday’s hearing that she didn’t want a “stay away” order barring Chris Brown from communicating with her.
But a document released this morning [.pdf] shows that the Superior Court judge gave her a special tool to protect herself during whatever conversations they do have.
An order signed by Commissioner Kristi Lousteau allows Rihanna to record Brown if he engages in any “prohibited communications” — which included harassing or threatening her or trying to dissuade her from testifying.
That’s important because California law prohibits recording confidential conversations without the consent of all parties involved. The order also directs Brown to sell or turn over to authorities any firearms he owns.
Brown faces felony charges for allegedly beating and biting Rihanna the night before the Grammy Awards. He appeared in court Thursday. During the court hearing, Rihanna’s attorney also made an appearance.
The lawyer, Donald Etra, stood shoulder to shoulder with Brown and his high-profile attorney, Mark Geragos, and in the one statement to the judge that didn’t involve spelling his name, he made it clear that Rihanna does not want a restraining order that would bar the “Forever” singer from contacting her. “Miss Fenty does not request that,” Etra told Superior Court Commissioner Lousteau. Rihanna’s full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
The judge instead issued what Etra later described as the lowest-level order, a blanket ban against Brown, 19, annoying, harassing, molesting or using force or violence against anyone.
Update: Chris Brown spends late night at bar after getting charged in assault of girlfriend Rihanna {NY Daily News}
R & B crooner Chris Brown was seen at a bar early Friday after he was slapped with charges he beat and brutalized sexy songbird Rihanna.
Brown and his bodyguards were spotted at the swanky SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills by a TMZ.com camera crew.
It wasn’t clear if Brown was drowning his sorrows – he’s only 19 and the drinking age in LA is 21.
The hoodie-clad hellion had nothing to say when he left at 3:45 a.m.
The pretty boy singer is charged with assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats – charges that could mean nearly five years in prison.
Police say Brown beat up his glamorous girlfriend on Feb. 8, as they were driving home from a pre-Grammy Awards bash in Los Angeles – a Hollywood horror show was laid out in gory detail in court papers Thursday.
That eight-page account was based on what Rihanna, 21, told authorities.
Rihanna also took out an order of protection which states that Brown cannot “harass, strike, threaten, assault (sexually or otherwise), follow, stalk, molest, destroy or damage personal or real property, disturb the peace, keep under surveillance, or block movements of” Rihanna.
Under the order, Rihanna can also “record any prohibited communications made by the restrained person.”
That said, it’s looking increasingly more likely that Rihanna won’t testify against Brown after he is arraigned on April 6.
“Rihanna recognizes that the decision is the district attorney’s,” Rihanna’s lawyer Donald Etra told the judge at Brown’s court hearing Thursday. “It’s not hers.”
Brown, who chewed on his lower lip as he stood beside his high-powered celeb lawyer, Mark Geragos, did not enter a plea. He got words of encouragement and a hand shake from Etra.
“I think that Rihanna would like this over as quickly as possible as well,” Etra assured him. “It benefits everybody.”
“I’m just a little confused on the timing,” Brown replied.
“Mark will explain it, and I’ll explain it to Rihanna,” Etra responded.
Geragos also tried to calm Brown down: “I explained that the best thing that could happen in this case is that Don is involved.”
Etra would not say if Rihanna would cooperate with prosecutors, but legal experts said her testimony would be key to convicting Brown.
“Rihanna will do everything the law requires her to do,” Etra told the Daily News. “She’ll do what the law requires of her. That’s all I will say.”
Complicating things, published reports and a News source insist the two may have secretly eloped, a claim Etra refused to address.
“Today was not the day to discuss the nature of their relationship or idle gossip or rumors,” is all he would say.
There was further evidence in court that the music world’s hottest couple are working it out when Judge Kristi Lousteau asked if Rihanna wanted a restraining order.
“Your Honor, Miss Fenty does not request that type of order,” Etra told her. Rihanna’s real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty. The “Disturbia” singer was not in court.
Lousteau warned Brown not to “annoy, harass, molest, threaten or use force or violence against anyone.”
His mother, Joyce Hawkins, who Brown has revealed was once the victim of domestic abuse, sat in the front row.
The singer was allowed to remain free on $50,000 bail – and to use the judge’s underground entrance to escape paparazzi in a chauffeur-driven black SUV.
Brown and Rihanna caused a buzz when they were no-shows at the Grammes. A few days later, Rihanna’s fans found out why when a photograph of her badly beaten face surfaced.
UPDATE: Chris Brown Claims ‘Roid Rage Fueled His Rihanna Beatdown (MediaTakeOut)
MediaTakeOut.com just received some EXPLOSIVE new information. We spoke EXCLUSIVELY to a person close to Chris Brown’s camp – and they gave us some shocking news. The insider believed that Chris’ attack on Rihanna was a case of ‘roid rage.
The insider, who asked that MediaTakeOut.com keep their name confidential, claims that Chris Brown has been using steroids for some time – and that it likely contributed to the attack. The source explained, “Chris started using steroids for his voice, and then he started using it more and more … I think he used it too much.”
The source continued, “There were definitely benefits to using [the steroids], like he got more muscular. But it also affected his temper … Everyone around him noticed it.”
And MediaTakeOut.com directly asked the insider whether they believed that the steroids were behind Chris’ attack on R&B singer Rihanna. The source replied, “Of course, Chris’ temper got crazy when he started taking [the steroids].”
Is the use of steroids to improve a singer’s voice common, you ask? Well MediaTakeOut.com spoke to a popular recording engineer who claims that many singer’s routinely use steroids to help their voice. The insider, who asked for anonymity, explained, “If a singer is on tour and their voice isn’t holding up, or if they have laryngitis – you give them a steroid shot, or they can use a spray. It will allow them to perform temporarily.” The insider continued, “Just about every artist I know has used it.”
It’s not clear what effect the ‘roid rage defense will play in the Chris Brown criminal trial. As MediaTakeOut.com reported to you earlier in the week, Chris’ attorney’s are working feverishly behind the scenes to work out a plea deal which would give no jail time to the R&B singer. And, as we reported earlier in the week – our sources say that they are EXTREMELY close to a plea deal.
But Chris’ defense team might have another ace in the hole. Yesterday MediaTakeOut.com told you that Chris’ defense team postponed pleading “not guilty” to the offenses charged against him. That leaves open the possibility of Chris pleading “not guilty by reason of insanity” – using ‘roid rage as his mental disease or defect. While it would be an unorthodox legal move, it could prove effective.
Update: Rihanna: “I Was Abused Before By Chris!”
Rihanna told police Brown abused her before, plus, Rihanna’s dad comments on the felony assault charges….
The night she was allegedly attacked by her boyfriend, Chris Brown, pop superstar Rihanna reportedly told police that it wasn’t the first time he had been violent toward her.
According to multiple law enforcement sources, Rihanna said Brown had put hands on her in the past and that the attacks were getting “more violent” as time went on, reports TMZ.com.
The website is also reporting that the leaked photo showing her bruises is mild compared to other evidence photos.
“We’ve learned additional pics were taken on Feb. 9, the day after the attack, and they are far more gruesome — the bruises and swelling far more pronounced,” the site says.
Meanwhile, Us Magazine interviewed Rihanna’s dad shortly after Brown was formerly charged Thursday with assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats.
Ronald Fenty said of Brown: “Justice can never be served in this situation. …He can’t feel the pain she felt.”
Below is a transcript of Mr. Fenty’s entire interview with UsMagazine.com:
US: What was your reaction after hearing Chris Brown was charged with two felonies?
Ronald Fenty: I don’t know how to react. Chris is a very talented guy. I still think he’s a little immature for Rihanna. Justice can never be served in this situation. He can’t feel the pain she felt. I don’t believe in hitting a woman. I hope everything works out better for them. I don’t feel happy or sad. He’s in the court’s hands. Let justice prevail.
US: Have you seen the new police report that details Brown biting, hitting and threatening to kill Rihanna?
RF: I haven’t seen anything. I hear so many things. I don’t know what to believe until I see it myself. Rihanna’s mother is telling me that she hasn’t heard anything from her [Rihanna]. She said the last she heard Rihanna was well.
US: If those reports are true, how upset are you?
RF: I don’t know what to say, honest to god. I’ve been hearing so many stories. I don’t feel any pain anymore. I’ve gone numb. I’ve heard so much. But I can’t get on to her. Her mother can’t get on to her, her brother told me she changed her email. Somebody has a stranglehold on her. I’m lost.
US: I know you’ve been speaking with your daughter over text. Is she no longer reachable?
RF: I’ll text the old numbers she had, and I call them. One girl answered, and she said, “This is not Robin’s number anymore.” I asked, “Do you work for Robin? Do you deal with Robin?” And the girl hung up, so I don’t know what’s going on anymore. I’m lost.
US: What was her last text to you?
RF: [She] said, “Daddy, I miss you.” And that’s it. And I could not reply. I saw a number and texted back, “I miss you too.” And I didn’t get another reply from her.
US: Obviously, you still support her.
RF: Yes, of course. Anyone in my family, I’m there for them. All of my kids, I’m there for them. Rihanna’s no exception. All of them I would support. I would tell them where they go wrong, I’d chastise them when they do s–t, but to be honest with you they have their own life to live.
US: What would you say to Chris Brown if you saw him today?
RF: I would tell Chris, “Don’t ever try again, don’t even think about it.” I’m hurt and disturbed at that scenario.
UPDATE: Will Rihanna Testify Against Chris Brown (People) –
He allegedly bruised and battered her, yet she took him back. And now, could she get him off the hook?
Legal experts say whether Rihanna will testify against Chris Brown could be a key factor in his felony case.
“The DAs are facing an uphill battle now if Rihanna isn’t cooperating,” says Steve Sitkoff, a Los Angeles defense lawyer and former prosecutor. “At this point, her cooperation can make or break the case. But the DAs may not need her if Brown is willing to strike a plea deal.”
Brown was formally charged Thursday with two felonies – assault and making criminal threats. If convicted, he faces anywhere from probation to a maximum four years and eight months in state prison, prosecutors say.
Asked if Rihanna is cooperating with the DAs, her lawyer Donald Etra told PEOPLE: “She’ll do everything that the law requires her to do.“
Experts say prosecutors will almost certainly subpoena Rihanna as a witness, but while she may be forced to appear she cannot be threatened with jail time – as is possible in a non-domestic violence case – if she refuses to take the stand.
At most, she could be punished with fines or other sanctions, but a judge may be reluctant to do so.
“If she refuses to testify, that could potentially jeopardize the DA’s case,” says Loyola Law School professor Stan Goldman. “Her statements to police about Brown having beaten her can only be used against him if she agrees to testify.”
Experts agree it’s just too soon to tell.
“Rihanna and Brown obviously have a volatile relationship,” says L.A. defense attorney and former prosecutor Jeffery Rubenstein. “Who knows if they’ll be together tomorrow. She may want him to take responsibility for his actions and take the stand. This case has only just begun.”
UPDATE: Chris Brown Charged With Two Felonies (LA Times) –
Nearly a month after pop star Rihanna was found battered and bleeding on a Hancock Park street, prosecutors have charged singer Chris Brown with felony assault and making criminal threats.
The charges carry a sentence ranging from probation to almost five years in prison, according to prosecutors. Brown, who is free on $50,000 bail, is due to be arraigned on the charge this afternoon in Los Angeles Superior Court. Brown was arrested Feb. 8, the day of the Grammy Awards, after LAPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault on a quiet, tree-lined street near Beverly Boulevard.
When officers arrived, they found an injured Rihanna and Brown’s rented Lamborghini, but no sign of the R&B singer.
According to a search warrant obtained by Fox 11 News, the assault began when Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, read Brown a text message while they were driving home from a pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills. The content of the message apparently enraged Brown, 19, who, according to the warrant, tried to force Rihanna out of the car. Only her seat belt kept her inside the vehicle, the warrant alleged. Brown punched her several times while he was driving, splattering the interior of the luxury vehicle with blood, according to the warrant.
During the alleged attack, Rihanna phoned her assistant and told her to call police, according to the warrant. Brown continued to assault her, biting her ear and fingers and, at one point, threatening to kill her, the warrant alleged.
Brown surrendered to police that evening and was booked for suspicion of criminal threats. He subsequently issued a statement apologizing for the incident. Rihanna, who has never been identified publicly by police, was treated at a medical facility after the incident, a police source said. The gossip website TMZ.com published a photo of the 21-year-old’s bruised and scratched face. The Police Department launched an ongoing investigation to determine if any of its personnel sold or otherwise leaked the picture.
UPDATE: Chris Brown To Head To Court To Hear Charges (Rolling Stone) –
Chris Brown is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom today as the L.A. Police Department has handed over all evidence regarding the R&B singer’s alleged assault of Rihanna on February 8th to the district attorneys, TMZ reports. Brown was initially charged with making criminal threats, but will learn whether he’ll stand trial on charges that carry a heavier penalty. Worst-case scenario for Brown, he’ll face felony domestic battery charges and be arraigned today.
However, it’s possible that this case will never get that far. According to E!, Brown’s high-power lawyer Mark Geragos met with the D.A. on Monday to discuss a possible plea deal. Under the terms of the proposed agreement, Brown would plead guilty to a misdemeanor and avoid jail time — the best-case scenario for his career, as he’d avoid the drama of a public trial.
The D.A. had initially sought evidence Brown committed a felony, and at first it seemed like Rihanna would cooperate with the investigation. But given the reports that Brown and Rihanna reconciled and reunited last weekend in Florida, it’s unlikely she would testify against Brown, leaving the district attorneys without their lone witness to the crime. However, since reconciliation is a common occurrence in domestic violence cases and the victim often refuses to testify, the D.A. could use Rihanna’s crime scene statements, as well as that “shocking” photograph of her facial injuries and other evidence gathered the night of the altercation in place of her taking the stand.
So how did word of the couple’s reconciliation hit the streets, anyway? Page 6 is reporting Brown and his camp alerted the media themselves. “Chris tipped off the photographers. He needs it to be out there that he and Rihanna are back together,” a source said. “His only chance for a career was if she got back together with him, and he wanted people to see them there.” A rep for Brown said, “To my knowledge this is not true.”
UPDATE: Chris Brown Punched Rihanna (People) –
A detective’s notes from the scene of the alleged Rihanna assault reportedly reveal disturbing details about what happened between the singer and her boyfriend Chris Brown in the early hours of Feb. 8.
According to FOX 11 in Los Angeles, which claims to have obtained the notes from a search warrant in the case, Rihanna, 21, read a lengthy text message from a woman on Brown’s phone, which led to an argument. Brown – who has a standing court date Thursday – allegedly tried to force his girlfriend out of the Lamborghini, and hit her head against the passenger window.
Brown, 19, then punched the singer while still driving, according to the detective’s notes, and blood filled Rihanna’s mouth. He allegedly told her, “I’m going to beat the —- out of you when we get home.” Rihanna called her assistant and left a message saying, “I am on my way home. Make sure the cops are there when I get there.” The police notes say that prompted Brown to reply: “You just did the stupidest thing ever. I’m going to kill you.”
The report also says that Brown bit Rihanna and put her in a headlock, and that she almost lost consciousness.
Almost three weeks after the incident, the couple reunited in Miami Beach last week.
Contacted by People, LAPD spokeswoman April Harding said, “We cannot confirm” the detective notes.
UPDATE: How Could Chris Brown & Rihanna Get Back Together? (People) –
While Rihanna and Chris Brown’s reconciliation after an alleged abuse incident has shocked family and friends, domestic violence experts say it’s all too common for a woman to return – often repeatedly.
In fact, experts say, it’s unrealistic to expect women not to go back to their abusers, be they husbands or boyfriends, as the victims grapple with feelings of guilt, fear, isolation – even love.
“It never surprises me,” says Violent Partners author Linda Mills, who believes therapists and people close to couples in abusive relationships must accept this seemingly fact. “If you start with ‘You shouldn’t go back,’ you very often lose the person [you are trying to help]. They won’t talk to you.”
Rihanna, 21, and Brown, 19, reunited last week in Miami about three weeks after he allegedly battered the singer early the morning of Feb. 8 in Los Angeles.
Police continue to investigate the case and no formal charges have yet been filed against Brown, who was booked on a felony criminal threat charge. Brown has no known criminal background, and though people close to the pair say they’ve had a tumultuous relationship at times, there had never been any indication of violence until now.
After the arrest, Brown and Rihanna spent time apart. Brown released a statement at the time, saying, “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired” and noted that he was “seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones.”
According to experts, there was nothing surprising in the reunion between Brown and Rihanna, who after spending time in Miami both returned to Los Angeles on the same plane Monday morning.
According to psychologist and author Lenore Walker, the average battered woman endures three to five violent incidents, from having her arm grabbed to an all-out beating, before she gives up on the relationship.
The reconciliation usually happens during what experts call the honeymoon phase in the cycle of violence, that cooling-down period after the attack when the abusive partner often expresses remorse and begs for forgiveness.
“The man is saying he’s sorry, he didn’t mean it, that it’ll never happen again,” says Walker. “It’s the loving behavior that reinforces a woman to stay, because they believe the violent act isn’t a true reflection of their man.”
If anything, the victim will often blame herself – and the attacker will agree with her. “The abuser also tries very hard to convince the victim that the attack was their fault,” says Dr. Elizabeth Miller, a Sacramento, Calif., pediatrician and domestic violence expert. “It’s common to say, ‘Honey, if you hadn’t upset me, this would’ve never happened.’ ”
In many cases, financial pressures draw a woman back, particularly if she has children and doesn’t work outside the home. But even among those with money, there’s still “psychological warfare,” says Jeffrey Gardere, a clinical psychologist. “[An abuser says:] I’m going to isolate you. I’m going to put you completely under my thumb, under my power so if you leave me, then you are going to be in big, big trouble because you won’t be able to take care of the kids or yourself.”
Isolation and Love
But it’s love, in all its complexities, that can often be the most powerful force for reconciliation for a battered woman. “They have insight into somebody in a way that none of us do,” says Mills, who runs a program in Arizona that brings together couples with family members and a volunteer from the community to talk over what actually happened in a domestic-violence event. The process usually goes on for months.
“The ideal might be that we can separate people who are in a violent relationship, but the problem is that that’s not the reality,” Mills says. “I address the reality, which is that people go back, and they’re looking for avenues for the possibility of working through this issue like any other rupture in a relationship, working through this issue to the point where the violence could stop.”
UPDATE: The Lovebirds Fly To L.A. (EURWeb)
Rihanna and Chris Brown left Miami Beach, Fla. on Sunday and are now back in Los Angeles, where Brown is tentatively scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in connection with her beating.
After spending the past few days hunkered down at the home of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Star Island, the controversially reunited pair was spotted boarding a private jet together at Miami International Airport late Sunday night.
TMZ.com has grainy, long-lens photos of the couple leaving the airport and exiting the same plane together in Los Angeles early Monday morning.
Brown’s scheduled arraignment on Thursday may be postponed if detectives don’t turn over the case soon enough. As of Monday morning, prosecutors tell E! News they have yet to see the evidence.
Since that incident occurred on Feb. 8, Rihanna spent solo time in Los Angeles, Mexico and her native Barbados, while Brown traveled to Las Vegas and his Virginia hometown before jetting to Miami. Word broke late Friday that the couple had reunited at Diddy’s mansion to work on their relationship.
Over the weekend, the “Disturbia” singer remained out of sight, while Brown, for the first time since his Feb. 8 arrest, was photographed jet skiing in the waters around Diddy’s compound. He had also been logging late-night sessions at Miami’s Hit Factory studios, working on his new album, in the days leading up to their reunion.
Reps for both Rihanna and Chris Brown have so far refused to comment on the seeming reconciliation, though Rihanna’s father made clear over the weekend that he supported his daughter, whatever direction her personal life may take.
“I love my daughter with whatever road she takes,” Ronald Fenty told Us Weekly. “I’m behind her win or lose. I will be supportive. If that’s the road she wants to choose, I’m behind her. I hope to see her soon. I talked to her after her birthday, and she told me she’s OK.”
Rihanna’s other family members, however, have not been so supportive. “Everyone wants them to take a break, to cool off,” a relative of Rihanna tells People.com. “No one wants them back together.”
“I’m concerned,” continues the relative. “I don’t want her to make a mistake, and I don’t want her to ever go through this again.”
Meanwhile, Brown was the victim of mistaken identity over the weekend when he was falsely reported to have been partying with Young Jeezy, Reggie Bush and Khloe Kardashian at the Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach.
Kardashian wrote on her blog, “So I woke up this morning to a ridiculous amount of missed calls and news EVERYWHERE that I had been spotted out and about in Miami with Chris Brown. The funny part about this alleged ‘news’ is that I’ve never even met Chris Brown!”
The reason for the confusion, “Reggie’s best friend looks just like Chris Brown,” says a source close to Kardashian. “They were all at the Gansevoort, but it wasn’t Chris.”
UPDATE: Blood Found In Chris Brown’s Car (Radar Online)
While Chris Brown has reunited with Rihanna in Miami, RadarOnline.com has learned that blood was found by police inside his car.
Police impounded Brown’s car after the Feb. 8 violent incident between Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21.
Now RadarOnline.com has learned that blood was found between the front seats and the car’s interior shows many signs of a violent struggle.
More details to come, on RadarOnline.com.
UPDATE: Rihanna Gives Chris Brown A Second Chance (People) –
Rihanna and Chris Brown are back together, People has learned exclusively.
The pair have reunited almost three weeks after Brown, 19, allegedly battered the “Umbrella” singer on Feb. 8, a source tells PEOPLE.
“They’re together again. They care for each other,” says the source. The on-again couple are currently spending time together at one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s homes, on Miami Beach’s Star Island.
Adds the source: “While Chris is reflective and saddened about what happened, he is really happy to be with the woman he loves.”
In its latest issue, People reports that Brown called Rihanna on her 21st birthday one week ago. “He called to wish her happy birthday,” a source told the magazine. “They’ve reached out to each other. It’s been mutual.”
Brown was booked by LAPD for making criminal threats but the case has not yet been presented to the District Attorney, who will ultimately determine which charges, if any, will be prosecuted.
UPDATE: Whitney Gives Rihanna Some Sound Advice (EURWeb) –
Whitney Houston is reportedly going public with her support of Rihanna, urging her not to reconcile with Chris Brown following an alleged fight between them that left her with cuts and bruises.
Houston, who ended her turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown in 2007, is advising the 21-year-old to end the troubled romance for good.
“Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Whenever you let your heart rule your head, you are bound to run into trouble,” Houston said in a statement to Hollyscoop.com.
Houston and Bobby Brown split in 2006 and endured a messy divorce and custody battle over their teenage daughter Bobbi Kristina. Brown was subsequently forced to deny rumors of domestic abuse within their relationship, insisting that although the former couple was prone to heated arguments, their fights never turned physical.
UPDATE: Gamblers Place Bets On Brown’s Freedom (EURWeb) –
Within days of TMZ’s posting of a leaked photo that showed Rihanna’s facial cuts and bruises, online sports gaming sites were reportedly flooded with bets that Chris Brown will receive some jail time.
According to online betting site Bookmaker.com, betters are reportedly getting $1.12 back for every $1 bet if Brown is sent to jail in connection with the beating of Rihanna, while those who wagered $1 on Brown not getting any jail time will get back $2.35. Or -850 for the singer serving time, against +130 that that he will escape incarceration.
The site says that odds were a lot different before the unauthorized picture was leaked.
So far, Brown has only been charged with making criminal threats. Since the incident, Brown released a public apology saying he was “sorry and saddened,” but did not discuss any specific details.
UPDATE: Chris Brown Asks For Forgiveness (YBF) –
Word has it Chris Brown called Rihanna on her 21st birthday, sent her a diamond necklace for a gift, and pleaded for her forgiveness, Wouldn’t be the first time a man begged for forgiveness when he knew what he did was wrong. So it’s definitely believable. But who really knows.
We’re also hearing that Sony is erasing Chris from their urban marketing blitz for the Bone Deep movie he just finished with T.I. Thanks to the Chrihannagate fallout, Chris may not even be a part of his own movie. Ironically, they’re going to use T.I. as the main urban marketeer–event though he’s set to go to jail next month for a year. Hmmm….
UPDATE: Rihanna Issues Statement, But Doesn’t Address Chris Brown –
As police probe whether one of their own leaked a picture of a bruised and beaten woman that appears to be Rihanna, the image is sparking a discussion of the impact it could have on the issue of domestic violence.
The celebrity Web site TMZ, which posted the photo Thursday night, did not explain its origin. The site wrote only that it was taken after an altercation between platinum-selling singer and her boyfriend, fellow pop star Chris Brown.
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton acknowledged Friday afternoon that the photo could prove embarrassing to the woman pictured, a view shared by some advocates for abused women. But in the welts and marks on the face of the woman in the photo, some also saw a teaching moment.
“If it could happen to Rihanna, it could happen to anyone,” said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. There are an estimated 4.8 million domestic violence attacks on women and another 2.9 million attacks on men each year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
“Maybe it is a good idea if it’s her, if young girls see this,” said Susan Murphy-Milano, a Chicago author and advocate for battered women. She said she hopes it makes them think, “Is the next picture going to be of her in a morgue?”
Both women expected the image, which even Bratton wouldn’t go so far as to confirm was Rihanna, could spark a new awareness about domestic violence.
“The reality that domestic violence can happen to anyone, even someone with fame and celebrity, ought to bring home the point that this is a problem for our entire society,” Gandy said. “We can’t avoid or ignore it.”
Bratton told reporters that along with launching an internal investigation into whether the photo is police evidence, he is also looking into how TMZ obtained the picture. He said the department may pursue a felony conspiracy case against TMZ and whomever might have helped them get the image.
Bratton said he suspected someone within the department leaked the photo, but did not elaborate or go so far as to confirm that it came from police evidence files.
“We are not treating this lightly,” Bratton said. “It’s an embarrassment to this department if in fact evidence was leaked.”
“It’s going to be a very painful experience for any personnel from this department and possibly those who they may have engaged in a conspiracy with to violate the laws of California.”
TMZ did not say how it obtained the image and a publicist for the site did not return a phone or e-mail message seeking comment Friday.
Brown, 19, was arrested Feb. 8 on suspicion of making felony criminal threats, but police have not publicly identified his alleged victim. The woman was Rihanna, according to a person familiar with the situation, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity.
A spokesman for Brown said the singer had no further comment beyond a statement released Sunday in which he said he was “sorry and saddened” about the incident. His attorney has not returned calls seeking comment.
Rihanna broke her silence on Friday, her 21st birthday, by releasing a statement through Rubenstein Associates.
“At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown,” the statement read. “She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time.”
The singer canceled a planned birthday bash in New York and postponed concerts overseas in the days following the incident.
UPDATE: Rihanna Assault Photo Leaks (TMZ) –
Whoever did this to her needs to be under the jail.
UPDATE: Rihanna’s Family Says, “Don’t Go Back To Chris!” (People) –
Members of Rihanna’s family in her native Barbados thought boyfriend Chris Brown “flew so far under everyone’s radar that we just didn’t think he was that [abusive] type,” a relative tells PEOPLE for its new cover story, on sale Friday.
Brown was arrested Feb. 8 for allegedly assaulting Rihanna in Los Angeles. He has issued a statement of apology, saying he would seek therapy, and he may face charges from the district attorney.
The turn of events comes as a shock to the family. “He was always looking after her needs,” says the relative, “making sure she was happy.”
Rihanna, who turns 21 on Friday, and Brown, 19, were a “perfect match,” an MTV veejay tells People. Now their future together is unknown.
But as far as her father, Ronald Fenty, is concerned, when it comes to Brown, his daughter should “move on.” A relative agrees: “I don’t want her to go back to him. I don’t think anyone does.”
UPDATE: Keyshia Cole Speak On Rihanna (Maximo TV) –
Keyshia knows a thing or two about bad guys and relationships. She shares her thoughts about the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation with Maximo TV.
UPDATE: Jay-Z Speaks On Rihanna! (People) –
Jay-Z struck a serious note Saturday when asked for his words of support for Rihanna.
“This is a real situation,” he said in Phoenix at the Sprite Green presents the Third Annual Two Kings dinner with Jay-Z and Lebron James, as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend.
“You have to have compassion for others. Just imagine it being your sister or mom and then think about how we should talk about that,” the hip-hop mogul, 39, continued.
“I just think we should all support her. She’s going through a tough time. You have to realize she’s a young girl, as well. She’s very young.”
Rihanna, 20, was allegedly attacked in Los Angeles on Feb. 8 by boyfriend Chris Brown, 19. He was arrested and may face charges from the district attorney.
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, tells PEOPLE that his daughter, whom he saw Thursday in Barbados, is bruised, but “she will be all right.”
Asked if he’d seen Rihanna, Jay-Z replied, “I don’t want to go into it.”
UPDATE: Chris Brown May Get Off?! (YBF) –
Our friends in the L.A. division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office (who actually takes on most of the cases of the Los Angeles County District Attorney) tell us Chris Brown very likely won’t be popped with any jail time after the assault fall out with Rihanna. Why, you ask? We’re told the LAPD & D.A.’s office tend to fall back on domestic violence cases. Apparently if couples are attempting to work problems out themselves, victims historically become more forgiving, therefore leading to them dropping charges. Of course, other types of consequences are pretty likely. Very interesting…
In other news, LAPD sent the DA’s office all the evidence they had against Chris; however, the DA’s office sent the case back to the LAPD. We’re told the reasoning is not only to “work on it more”, but at this time there is currently not enough evidence to charge Chris with. Apparently the D.A.’s office was attempting to nab him with domestic violence, battery, and a whole slew of other charges.
And LAPD now confirms that Chris Brown received a text message from a woman while he was driving with Rihanna and that’s what started the confrontation that left Rihanna battered and bruised. The person who texted Chris is NOT a rapper, even though a rapper is spoken about in the police report.
Chris’ Lamborghini was dusted for prints when it was brought to the impound. This is the car the assault incident allegedly happened in.
Meanwhile, Rihanna reportedly pulled out of her show in Jakarta, scheduled for tonight, citing “an assault case involving Rihanna’s boyfriend.” This is just the latest in the several events she and Chris have been pulling out of.
UPDATE: Jay-Z To Give Chris Brown ‘99 Problems’ –
Chris Brown’s got 99 problems – and Jay-Z’s a big one.
The hip-hop powerhouse, who rapped “99 Problems,” was enraged when he heard that Brown allegedly beat up Rihanna, the R&B star whom Jay-Z discovered and mentored.
“He hit the roof,” a source close to him told Us Weekly. “Chris is a walking dead man. He messed with the wrong crew.”
Brown, 19, allegedly left gal pal Rihanna with contusions to her face, a cut lip, bloody nose and bite marks on her arm and fingers following an argument the night before both were to perform at the Grammys.
Residents called 911 after hearing her screams, and police said Rihanna’s shrieks could be heard in the background.
“It mostly recorded the sound of a screaming woman,” LAPD Detective Deshon Andrews said.
The couple had hit a rough patch in their year long romance, according to MTV, and blog rumors swirling around the pair – including offhand re marks about infidelity and fights – didn’t help.
The LA blowup followed an evening of escalating tension be tween the two, which came to a head as they drove in a Lamborghini from a party at music mogul Clive Davis’ house early Sunday and she tossed the car keys out the window, E! News reported.
“He pimp-slapped her and punched her in the face,” a friend of Rihanna told Us.
Brown then allegedly choked Rihanna and said, “I’m going to kill you,” E! News reported. When she slipped into unconsciousness, Brown allegedly fled.
Rihanna was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Brown later turned himself in and was charged with making a criminal threat. He was released on $50,000 bail. Both canceled their appearances at the awards show and later events.
WAKS-FM, a Cleveland-area radio station, has stopped playing Brown’s music until the allegations are resolved; so, too, have stations in Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.
Police handed the case over to the LA County prosecutor’s office, which sent it back yesterday for further investigation.
Jay-Z has long been protective of Rihanna, the 20-year-old Barbadian beauty he helped make a star.
In 2007, Rihanna – whose song “Umbrella” was burning up the charts – acknowledged that Jay-Z had to give the OK before any guy would approach her.
“I just found out from a mutual friend that guys will talk to Jay first before they try to approach me,” Rihanna told People magazine. “He’s very protective. Jay has my best interests in mind.
“If it’s a good guy, I know Jay won’t shut him down. But if he’s not, Jay will be, like, ‘No, no, no.’”
UPDATE: Chris Brown Charged For Assault With A Deadly Weapon –
TMZ has confirmed Rihanna is the named alleged victim in the Chris Brown case and the allegation is that she was assaulted with a deadly weapon.
Law enforcement sources tell us the crime report calls the incident assault with a deadly weapon — we do not yet know the nature of the weapon.
The crime report gives the victim’s name as Robyn Fenty — that’s Rihanna’s real name.
UPDATE: T.I. & Rihanna’s Grandmother Share Their Reactions On The Chris Brown/Rihanna Fiasco –
Rihanna’s Grandmother has told the Barbados newspaper (Rihanna’s hometown) that her granddaughter is well and does not have a broken nose like previously reported:
“I don’t want people to worry. Rihanna is fine and she is doing well.”
Rihanna sent a message to her family back home via her close friend letting them know she is ok. As for the exact charges against Chris Brown in reference to Rihanna, Police Sergeant Bridget Pickett says:
“The exact charge was criminal threats and it is going to be investigated as a criminal threats investigation. There may be domestic violence charges added later, but that will be up to the district attorney’s office.”
Interesting.
What T.I. had to say about the situation when you read the rest…
Meanwhile, T.I. told Carson Daly last night that he’s spoken to Chris since the incident and Chris is “a little concerned”:
“Yeah, I spoke to him today. He cool, you know. I guess he a little concerned about the situation, but he’s still the same Chris. Hey man, you people gotta remember, we celebrities and we entertainers but we still human. All of us…Don’t expect us not to make mistakes ‘cause we will.” [YBF]
UPDATE: Rihanna Discharged From Hospital, Cancels Birthday Plans –
20-year-old singer Rihanna, who sustained injures during a Pre-Grammy Awards fight with her 19-year-old boyfriend Chris Brown, is now out of the hospital, according to online reports.
LAPD officers, who interviewed the Barbadian beauty in the hospital, say she sustained violent trauma to her face and body, including bite marks on her arms and fingers, contusions, swelling, bruising and a bloody nose.
Rihanna may have inflicted similar damage on Brown as they fought inside and outside his rented Lamborghini near Hancock Park in LA early Sunday morning.
Witnesses heard her screaming and called 911. Brown fled the scene on foot and later turned himself in accompanied by famed attorney Mark Geragos who once repped Michael Jackson, among other notables.
Rihanna’s reps say her upcoming 21st birthday bash on Feb. 20 in NY is canceled. And a Malaysian concert is also scrapped as well as appearances at the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix.
The backlash against Brown has already begun. He was unceremoniously dropped from the Wrigley’s gum campaign Monday. And Brown’s reps say an upcoming gig in Phoenix is canceled.
The reaction from the industry was swift as well. According to a tipster, Rihanna’s brother would love to put his hands on Brown, and other men in the industry would like to “touch” him as well.
Rihanna has made many friends in the industry who reached out to her with offers of protection in the 24 hours since the incident.
Brown’s next court date is on March 5th. He is charged with making terroristic threats against Rihanna, who may not be willing to testify against him in open court.
There are rumors that Rihanna and Chris fought like cats and dogs behind closed doors and their handlers knew that eventually the violence would spill out into the open.
It seems the two were obsessed with each other, according to friends. It was the type of obsession that usually leads to violence. One source who is close to both camps told Sandrarose.com how Brown pursued Rihanna and how badly he wanted her before the two ever met.
“Rihanna paid that boy no attention for months,” said my source. “Then she finally gave him a chance and realized he was really cool [to be with].”
Brown’s mom, who has friends in Atlanta, is already defending her son and telling what she knows about prior incidents involving the couple. If you recall, it was Brown’s mom who spilled the beans to friends about Brown’s sordid relationship with his much older manager — a relationship that the manager vehemently denied.
Still, questions remain whether Rihanna was the aggressor in the current incident and if she struck out at Brown first, forcing him to defend himself.
UPDATE: Kanye West Speaks On Rihanna/Chris Brown Incident (Fly Style Life) –
Kanye West had some very decisive words to Ryan Seacrest this morning regarding the very thing that’s on everyone’s tongue: Chris & Rihanna.
“I was completely devastated by the concept of what I heard,” the rapper said Tuesday on Ryan Seacrest’s KIIS-FM radio show.
“I was completely devastated during the performance,” West said, referring to his Grammy performances. ”Rihanna is so important to our culture … to pop music,” said West. “I feel like she is the most important artist in music and has the most potential. Her taste level and her age … she has the potential to be the greatest artist of all time. In that sense, I feel like that’s my baby sis, I would do any and everything to help her in any situation.”
But when asked if he felt that Rihanna’s celebrity had any influence over his feelings, West was very quick to clarify:
“All I want to say is, it’s so devastating. As a person, I don’t care how famous she is or even if she works at McDonald’s. [Abuse] should never happen. It should never come to that place.”
Source: Various Sources
“Chris Brown’s arraignment has been postponed until April, as Rihanna is officially named as the victim in the case and allowed to record Chris’ calls. With the couple possibly back together again and a possible engagement, how do you feel about the latest news in this case?”
Since the creation of music videos there has always been a fascination with the women featured in these videos and next month E! will give its viewers a chance to get an inside look at the world of video modeling with their new reality show Candy Girls.
As part of the show, E! Entertainment will take a look at the extremely competitive and sometimes misunderstood field of video modeling. Candy Girls will focus on the lives of about five women and the ups and downs they face as video models.
“This series introduces E!’s entertainment-obsessed viewers to an aspect of the industry that has not previously been revealed,” Lisa Berger, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Series Development of E! Entertainment Television said in a statement. “While these women may be recognized for their sexy personas, viewers will find there is much more to them than meets the eye. With cut-throat attitudes, strong opinions and an unapologetic passion for luxury goods, these music industry divas are sure to create an exciting and dramatic series.”
Danielle, one of the women the show will focus on, is actually the owner of Bella, one of the more exclusive music video casting agencies. Candy Girls will revolve around the women of Bella including a handful of their video models Olivia, Bianca, Brooke, and Terricka.
Consisting of several seasoned video models, some of Bella’s models have been featured in videos by Keyshia Cole, Jay-Z, Will Smith, Nick Cannon, 50 Cent and more.
Candy Girls will premiere on Sunday, March 8th at 10:30pm ET/PT and is executive produced by Jason Carbone, Leah Landon and Troy Carte.
Source: hiphopdx.com
Can’t wait to see it!
The news shocked the entertainment world, yet celebrities were asked for their reactions regarding the Chris Brown assault case. Crazy, indeed, but with the stars of today not knowing the full breadth of the story, they chose to play it safe, with the man responsible for the victim’s career (Jay-Z) not saying anything about the situation at all.
UPDATE: Keyshia Cole Speak On Rihanna (Maximo TV) –
Keyshia knows a thing or two about bad guys and relationships. She shares her thoughts about the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation with Maximo TV.
Source: theurbandaily
Keyshia Cole’s new video for the song “You Complete Me”. It is the second single taken from Keyshia Cole’s 3rd and newst album release “A Different Me”.
Keyshia Cole ~ “You Complete Me” YouTube Video below. Enjoy!
[Source:YouTube]
Kiss Kiss,
jnelj4u
JNEL & J. Magazine 