Chris Brown Apologizes for "Incident" with Rihanna

Chris Brown publicly apologized yesterday for the beating of Rihanna, noting in a video that he is currently seeking help for anger issues and that he very much wants to live the rest of his life as a role model. The video that included the apology was released on Brown’s website, wherein Brown apologized to his fans and noted that he is both sad and ashamed of his actions. He also reiterated that he has apologized to Rihanna many times.

Brown, who was arrested last February after a very public and violent encounter with Rihanna spread across tabloids and media outlets across the world, pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge last month and will face sentencing in August. Says Brown in the video, "I saw firsthand what uncontrolled rage can do. I have sought and am continuing to seek help to ensure that what occurred in February can never happen again."

Brown goes on to say in the video, "I felt it was time that you heard directly from me that I am sorry. I intend to live my life so that I am truly worth the term ‘role model." Brown also noted in the video that the incident has badly hurt his reputation, though he didn’t go into detail about lost sponsorship deals and the condemnation that he drew from other artists in the field. Prior to the incident, Brown was considered to have a sterling reputation, having achieved top hits "Run It!" and "No Air." He was named Billboard’s top artist in 2008.