V-Day disturbia
From news of Michelle Obama appearing on the cover of Vogue’s March issue to talk about a California mother of octuplets who already has six other kids, the last few days have been filled with both wonder and weirdness. However, the latest transmission to shock and intrigue the unwashed masses involves a 19-year-old singing sensation and his equally successful pop star girlfriend. You can almost hear Christian Bale scream, “It’s f*cking distracting!”
Last weekend, as industry royalty enjoyed the spectacle of the 51st Grammy Awards, Chris Brown and Rihanna were somewhere in Los Angeles apparently creating their own drama. “An early-morning altercation with Brown following a pre-Grammy Awards party left Rihanna with bruises and a scratch to her face, according to police sources,” reported the LA Times’ Richard Winton. The 20-year-old’s injuries, which TMZ’s Harry Levin called “severe,” include “two ‘huge contusions’ which swelled up on both sides of her forehead” and “a bloody lip and nose.”
I Know You’re Trying To Leave But Excuse Me Miss
The fight apparently occurred after midnight on a quiet block in Hancock Park, one of the fanciest residential neighborhoods in L.A. E! Online states that “Rihanna made the 911 call to police after Brown ‘fled on foot’ from the scene” following the attack. Responding officers from the LAPD Wilshire Division found the Barbados-born singer, full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, in Brown’s rented silver Lamborghini “beaten really badly and hysterical” on the side of the road.
It seemed to have been more than a love tap as sources tell Access Hollywood that Chris Brown also bit Rihanna during the alleged incident. The “Kiss Kiss” singer remains free on $50,000 bail.
Pon De Replay
Though it’s not an excuse, it turns out that Brown’s family has a history of domestic violence. He has revealed in several interviews that his stepfather beat up his mother while he was growing up.
“Early on in his career, in February 2006, less than a year after making his debut at age 16 with the hit Run It!, Brown told MTV News’ Sway that watching his mother endure that abuse was ‘an influence in me about how to treat a woman,’” wrote MTV.com’s Gil Kaufman.
The most blurbable series of news items this week, the couple’s domestic disturbia has been subject to speculation. Some online commenters say that Chris Brown acted like a human ragetoon because Rihanna allegedly gave him herpes. Others have added to the confusion by theorizing that said herpes could even be traced back to Edward Cullen, or even Rick Astley, who may have decided to Rickroll the cops so that they will laugh and laugh and laugh until the world finally implodes in silliness.
S.O.S Please Someone Help Me
But seriously, the fallout from this saga has already begun. Rihanna — whose family has expressed its intention of shipping her back to Barbados to keep her away from her ill-tempered beau — has delayed a concert in Malaysia. It was scheduled to take place yesterday, February 13. A 21st birthday celebration in New York was likewise scrapped.
As ordered by God, an official statement from Wrigley’s states that the company has chosen to “suspend the current advertising” featuring Chris Brown “and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved.” In addition, his “Got Milk” ad campaign, which expires this week, will not be renewed as the Milk Mustache campaign is taking the allegations against Chris Brown very seriously. “We are very proud and protective of the image of the Milk Mustache campaign and the responsible message it sends to teens.”
I Gotta Check Into Rehab
As of this writing, neither side has spoken to the press. That hasn’t stopped celebrities from weighing in.
On Ryan Seacrest’s morning show on KIIS FM, Kanye West offered his support for Rihanna. “It’s so devastating. As a person, I don’t care how famous she is or if she just worked at McDonald’s, that should never happen. It should never come to that place.” They had gone on tour together and “really vibed out on a lot of creative ideas,” according to Justjared.com.
Despite the lack of evidence, a snap poll of readers at AOL website Popeater.com reveals that most people have already given Chris Brown a verdict. A full 71% said they believe he attacked Rihanna. On the other hand, 63% of respondents believe a comeback is still possible although his image has already been tarnished. This is probably his chance to get help and deal with his violent past.
Our generation is more used to sex scandals involving leaked photos or videos and a scandal of this sort is a novelty, something the world hasn’t seen since, perhaps, Ike and Tina Turner. Those of us who care too much about things like this can’t get over the hype and the irony. A high profile couple in a violent lover’s quarrel during what is supposedly the most romantic time of the year? Yeah, Happy Valentine’s indeed.
