Brown says he's sorry

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-22 09:55

Chris Brown (pictured) has made a public apology for an incident in February, that sent his then girlfriend, Rihanna, to a hospital.

"Since February, my attorney has advised me not to speak out, even though ever since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility," the singer said in a 2-minute clip posted on his official YouTube channel on Monday. "Although I will do some interviews and answer some questions in the future, I felt that it was time that you heard directly from me that I am sorry."

Brown added: "I cannot go into what happened, and most importantly, I'm not going to sit here and make any excuses. I take great pride in me being able to exercise self-control and what I did was inexcusable. I am very sad and very ashamed of what I've done."

Brown pleaded guilty last month to one count of felony assault stemming from the Feb 8 incident, where the singer allegedly beat Rihanna (real name Robyn Fenty), following a pre-Grammy party.

Under the deal Brown and his attorney, Mark Geragos, made with the Los District Attorney's Office, the singer was sentenced to 5 years probation, enrollment in a domestic violence counseling program and 180 days in a labor program in his home state of Virginia. Final sentencing by a judge will occur on Aug 5.