Chris Brown and Rihanna News: Singer Celebrates End of Probation in Assault Case
Chris Brown's felony probation in an assault case over his 2009 attack on ex-girlfriend Rihanna has ended.
Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin ended Brown's probation on Friday, March 21, more than six years after the R&B singer brutally attacked his then-girlfriend hours before the Grammy Awards.
The Los Angeles District Attorney confirmed to E! News that the 25-year old's probation ended when Judge Brandlin found that Brown had officially completed his 1,000 hours of community service and the Probation Department concluded that there were no violations. Brandlin's decision marks the first time since mid-2009 that Brown will not be under the supervision of court or probation officials.
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The singer and his attorney, Mark Geragos, hugged in the courtroom and again in a courthouse elevator. After the hearing, Brown tweeted, "I'm off probation!!!!! Thank the Lord!!!!!"
"I couldn't be more delighted," said Geragos after the hearing. "He is in a spot right now and a place right now that I couldn't be prouder of him."
Brown was 19 years old when he attacked Rihanna in a sports car after leaving a pre-Grammy Awards party. Brown fled the scene but turned himself in to police hours later and was charged with felony assault.
TMZ posted a photo of Rihanna's face, which showed extensive injuries. In a search warrant affidavit, it was revealed that Brown repeatedly punched Rihanna, bit her ear, and choked her to the point that she almost lost consciousness.
Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in June 2009 and was ordered to stay away from the "Umbrella" singer. As part of his sentence, Brown was required to undergo violence counseling. Judge Brandlin also ordered Brown into rehab, which resulted in the singer being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complications from substance abuse.
