Chris Brown asks for forgiveness for assault
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN)
– Singer Chris Brown publicly apologized for assaulting his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna, in a video statement posted on his personal Web site Monday.
Chris Brown, shown here at his June 22 court appearance, has publicly apologized in a video posted Monday.
"I have told Rihanna countless times, and I'm telling you today, that I'm truly, truly sorry in that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," Brown said.
A publicist for Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has not responded to CNN requests for comment on the apology.
Watch Brown ask for forgiveness »
Brown, in the two-minute video, said he had wanted to "publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility" since February, but he remained silent on the advice of his defense lawyer.
"Although I will do some interviews and answer some questions in the future, I felt it was time you heard directly from me that I am sorry," he said.
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At the end of his statement, the detective said Brown sent a text message nine days later, apologizing.
"I take great pride in me being able to exercise self-control, and what I did was inexcusable," Brown said in his video apology. "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."
Brown, who lost several product endorsements after his arrest, said he realizes he has "truly been blessed" and he intends "to live my life so that I am truly worthy of the term 'role model.' "
"As many of you know, I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence, and I saw firsthand what uncontrolled rage can do," he said. "I have sought and I am continuing to seek help to ensure that what occurred in February can never happen again. And as I sit here today, I can tell you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that it never happens again. And I promise that."
His probation requires that Brown complete domestic violence counseling. The judge said he cannot have contact with Rihanna again until that is completed.
