It only took 4 minutes and 20 seconds for Chris Brown to have his first day in court. Yesterday we learned that Chris Brown was being charged with 2 felony charges stemming from the alleged assault he is said to have perpetrated on his girlfriend Rihanna in the early morning hours of February 8. New court documents were released that gave Rihanna‘s gruesome account to police about what she claimed Chris Brown did to her (punching, choking and biting are among the ways she claimed he assaulted her that morning) and Chris was scheduled to go before the court at approx. 3:30PM PT to face the music. BUT, Chris did not enter a plea … instead, his lawyer asked the court to continue the case for a later date. The judge agreed and Brown is to be back in court on April 6. Here are a few photos of Chris Brown in court yesterday afternoon:
Chris Brown and his attorney Mark Geragos did not enter a plea to the two felony charges. In a proceeding that took roughly 4 minutes and 20 seconds, the judge granted Brown’s request to move the arraignment to April 6th. It is unclear why they wanted to postpone the case — possibly to conduct further investigations or possibly to strike a plea deal. We just don’t know… Based on our information, it seems Brown wants to avoid a trial at all costs because the picture of Rihanna taken one day after the incident — which has not been seen anywhere publicly — is unbelievable. During the proceeding, Brown signed a waiver of presence, allowing his lawyer to act on his behalf — meaning he won’t have to show up to any minor court proceedings before April 6th. Brown, who stood emotionless in court, spoke only four words to the judge — “yes,” “yes,” and “yes ma’am.” After Brown’s request to continue the case had been granted, the judge warned Brown, “You are not to annoy, harass, molest, threaten or use force or violence against anyone.” The judge asked Rihanna’s attorney Donald Etra if there was a “no-contact order” in place, to which Etra replied, “Miss Fenty [Rihanna] does not request such an order.” Etra is famous for repping Snoop Dogg in multiple court cases throughout the years.
Extra! TV was also in the courtroom yesterday and they claim to have overheard an exchange between Rihanna‘s legal counsel and Brown’s legal counsel which makes it sound like she is not willing to partake in prosecuting Chris Brown for his alleged crimes:
A conversation between Rihanna’s attorney Donald Etra and Chris Brown was overheard while they were standing in front of the microphone immediately following Brown’s hearing this afternoon. Etra approached Brown and said, “I think Rihanna would like this over as quickly as possible. It benefits everybody.” Brown told Etra, “I’m a little confused on the terms of everything… and the proceedings and what’s going on.” Etra responded, “Mark [Geragos, Brown's attorney] will explain it and I’ll explain it to Rihanna.” Stepping in, Geragos said, “I’ve explained it to you that the best thing that could happen in this case is Don is involved. Didn’t I tell you that?” Etra added, “And I would say to you that the best thing to you is that Mark is involved.” The judge moved Brown’s request for a continuance to April 6. In addition, the judge did not grant a “no-contact order.”
It is becoming even more clear, even beyond the fact that Rihanna has already reconciled with Chris Brown, that she seems totally uninterested in working with the State to punish Brown for his alleged crimes. On that, I’m not sure what to say. I will say, tho, that I truly hope that the prosecutor’s office will remain steadfast in their zeal to punish Chris Brown. Altho Rihanna seems ready to forgive, I feel it is STILL worth it to her (and to any future women who might be battered in the future) to have a criminally dangerous person like the person described in her account to police be put behind bars. If the State is able to prove that Chris Brown is guilty of these allegations then he needs to be thrown in jail … whether Rihanna or anyone else likes it or not. I honestly believe the account she gave to the police that night … the injuries that we saw on her battered face seem to corroborate her account. A person who is capable of battering someone like that is NOT a first time offender, in my opinion. My fear is that someone who is capable of assaulting someone in this manner will likely do it again and again and again. Any person found guilty of these crimes MUST be incarcerated. I honestly pray that the LA District Attorney does everything in his power to fully prosecute this crime to the full extent of the law. A continuance like the one granted yesterday offers more time to work up a deal to get off the hook … I pray that no such deal will ever come. Let the case go to trial and let the evidence speak for itself. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
He is digusting and so is she. After the description she gave to the police how could you go back? I get why people do it… when they have no money/no options and feel trapped. She isn’t trapped so why stay!
He needs to be locked up. And she needs to stand up for herself and accept no apologies.
What he did was not just abuse. It was attempted murder.
With all the details released yesterday, I’m pretty disgusted with both stars. However, my heart goes out to Rhi who needs to seek some counseling or outside advice. There are probably hundreds of battered women around the country literally shuddering reading about their so called ‘reconciliation’.
I feel sorry for the millions of young fans who are about to see this case get swept under the carpet. I’m guessing he’ll receive probation at the most.
Not to make light of the situation, but I can’t help but be reminded of Bobby and Whitney. These two are heading down the same road, just starting at a younger age.
Trent, I am praying with you.
I agee with JuJuBean…..after reading what happen yestarday I was very disgusted and then to hear that they might have gotten married…HA that makes it worst. I like Rihanna and I love her music, but the thought of both of them getting married makes me sick to my stomach. I see another Ike and Tina on our hands, and it will take years for Rihanna to realize that being with Chris Brown is TOXIc…..sorry about the language im about to write…..FUCK CHRIS BROWN FUCK HIM!!!!!!!
To Vic – it’s not always a trapped feeling issue that causes the victim to go back. Sometimes, the person who has been hurt goes through a major denial – it’s so hard to wrap your head around it…but it’s like she’s able to say – Loving Chris would never do that and mean Chris – well – he only comes out when we have a major fight. Two seperate people. It’s crazy but that’s why counseling is so necessary because people are able to convince themselves that it’s not the same person when they think they are in love and don’t want to loose all the things that the Nice Version of that person has to offer.
I’m not saying what she’s doing is right, I’m saying it’s not necessarily a trapped issue but more of a denial one and it’s very common. It’s so un-natural to have to deal with that you deal with it in the most strangest of ways.
Having gone through 27 years of never being in an abusive relationship – I did experience it…and I’m a very strong independent woman….nothing surprised me more than how my mind starting to think after it first happened. I actually wanted to pretend like nothing happened and just wanted to go back before it all happened and back to the way things were. I scared myself by how much I missed him even though he did this aweful thing to me. I saw myself starting to rationalize it and take blame… that was something I NEVER thought I would do, so I can only assume that I’m not alone and those feelings come about in women who actually have gone through it.
I got help and I had the support to cut the ties…but that was almost more difficult than going through the experience itself. Weird huh.
This is sad. Basically, its like Rhi is saying to all the battered women out there that its okay for your significant other to beat you and get away with it. Brown should’ve man up and plea guilty.
Ugh, just hearing that bit about her attorney stating that she doesn’t request a protection order… it just gives me the chills. Combine that with the conversation between Chris and the attorneys, it almost makes it sound like they’re just telling Chris & Rhianna to run along and play in the ocean while they take care of things. Nothing sounds promising about any of this.
I really can’t wrap my brain around the situation. Even if she feels that she “started it”, it doesn’t look like Chris got physical in self-defense. Regardless of what she said or did, he’s the one that took it to that level, and there are consequences for that. In most cases, who knows what will happen here…
I’m back with another thought….
I was thinking about their careers and how, if this so-called reconciliation wasn’t taking place 1. Brown’s career…done. 2. Rhi…seen as a strong, independent woman for dumping his ass, career soars even higher.
And so, since the above scenario is seemingly not happening, I have to wonder about what choices these celebrities actually have in the matter. I can’t help but think it’s the lawyers, managers, marketers and publicity people who have the final say.
Therefore, in order to salvage any prospect of a career in the future for Brown, there’s no doubt in my mind that Rhi’s “involvement” is needed and vital. Be it forgiveness and reconciliation, marriage, babies, ANYTHING…Brown needs this publicity so that some may think, “Well hmmm…. if she took him back his new CD isn’t so bad.”
For all we know…(and those grainy pictures of them together don’t convince me)…these two are in different countries with there lawyers making all decisions for them. Browns’ with the hopes of salvaging a career, waiting for Oprah to offer him millions for “The First Interview”. Rhi is the looser in this case over and over again. No matter how you look at it – I have a sick, sick feeling that the lawyers and PR people are making her decisions.
My other worry is that young men now have another example in an abusive, uncaring creep like Brown.
Again, I have to say that I’m fairly certain Brown will receive the tiniest of slaps on the hand.
Trent, I hope you realize that Rhianna is a victim of domestic violence, a battered woman, and she is simply acting as almost all women (or men) do in this type of situation. My friend is a social worker in domestic violence shelter…places like SafeHouse in Michigan. Rhi needs help, counseling etc like many of you said. Sad thing is, she won’t be able to get it until she’s ready. That might take a long time :( I feel sorry for her.
I’m sure that some of his “people” are behind the reconciliation. THey don’t want her to “ruin” what’s left of his career. I hope he gets the max. And I hope she gets some self love.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I am dying for a statement from Rihanna (actually her, not her “people”). Just by the fact that he did not even enter a “not guilty” plea makes it clear that the charges brought against him are legit. I do not think Rihanna owes anyone an explanation, but it sure would make it easier for people to understand her reasons for going back to him. Love is a powerful force, sometimes it chains you to people or things that are not good for you. I believe that she loves him despite what he’s done. Hopefully, they can both seek the help that they obviously need and that they can find happiness, together or apart.
It just hit me thanks to JU-JU BEAN I didn’t think about the example Chris Brown is setting for other men!WOW that’s such a powerful thought! Iam sure there are men out there watching and are on Brown’s side, I agree I think the very best thinghe could do is man up and admitt and take the punishment and get the help he needs. Iam ways dissappointed in her for not cooperating with the courts! Maybe others are making her decions. I had another very alaming thought maybe Brown did threaten to kill her or her family if she doesn’t go along with what he wants could he be that visious??? Maybe that’s just too hollywood-ish I need to lay off the tv!!
Last night on Larry King Live they were talking about this case, and they played a clip from Rihanna’s “Umbrella” video. The words have a new, eerie meaning now: “Said I’ll always be your friend, took an oath, I’ma stick it out to the end.” I pray right along with you, Trent. I pray that these words won’t ring true and she won’t meet her end at the hands of this abuser.
Sad thing is, they both seemed so happy and normal. You never know what happens between closed doors. She seems so strong and confident, but she’s obviously not so much and desperately needs help to see that she doesn’t need to go back to someone who treats her like that.
I have to say is God doesn’t like ugly. I wouldn’t normally say something like this because I’m not a very religious person, but this is disgusting. I do understand that Rhianna is blinded by love, but she really needs to open her eyes and realize what a terrible situation she got herself in.
and you know, I was think…I totally would not have been surprised if Kanye beat the crap out of his girlfriend..but did anyone really expect this to come from Chris Brown? He always seemed so mellow and chill.
She must really feel like a worthless piece of shit, and that’s terrible. To have been taken down to the point where you don’t feel you deserve any better than what he did to her…wow. That poor girl is a mess.
@ Faith – I completely agree!!!
I guess I like Rhianna a lot less now that she doesn’t seem to like herself so much. I pray for her to wake the F up
Shes a sucker and he needs to be punished point blank.
This makes me sick to my stomach.
I pray Rhiannas family forces her to get help and keeps her far, far away from Chris Brown.