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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Chris Brown Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Rihanna

(CN) - R&B singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting his former girlfriend and fellow singer Rihanna in February. Brown, 20, accepted a last-minute plea bargain to avoid jail time and was sentenced to five years probation by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg.

Brown was slapped with 180 days of community service and a requirement that he undergo counseling on domestic violence.

Schnegg ordered the two young pop stars to stay at least 50 yards away from each other, or 10 yards at an industry event. Rihanna's attorney said there was no need for the "stay away" provision, but Schnegg made the order final.

Brown turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department on Feb. 8, 2009 after an argument with then-girlfriend Rihanna erupted into violence in a rented Lamborghini in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The incident took place just before the Grammy Awards, at which they were both due to perform. Their appearances were canceled.

On March 5, Brown was charged with two felonies, assault and making criminal threats. Brown had faced a potential jail sentence of four years on the charges. He will serve the 180 days community labor in his native Virginia.

A formal sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 5.

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