Column:

Chris Brown misuses media

By Christina Stiehl

Published Nov. 10, 2009

Remember Chris Brown's violent attack on his now-ex-girlfriend Rihanna last February? Amid a new single, album and 19-city tour, Brown fans and supporters seem to have forgotten.

We all saw the photo of the battered 20-year-old pop star and couldn't escape the media frenzy that followed. A few days following the incident, Brown released a public statement of apology, confirming he was in fact the attacker. Doublemint Gum immediately dropped its endorsement deal, and several cities nationwide pulled his music from their radio stations.

While everyone from Oprah to Roseanne Barr gave their opinions on the situation, reports surfaced of a reunion between the young couple in Miami a mere week after the attack, portraying Rihanna as a PSA for young girls on how not to handle themselves in an abusive relationship.

Nine months later, Rihanna decided to come forward in her first interview since the attack. On "20/20" last Friday, the R&B singer opened up to Diane Sawyer about her former relationship with Brown and the altercation that left her beaten and bloody.

In case you have forgotten, here is a recap: According to the police report, Brown and Rihanna began arguing on a drive home and as the disagreement heated up, Brown physically attacked her, slamming her against the passenger window, punching her eye, biting her face and holding her in a tight headlock, leaving her unable to breathe.

During the beating, Brown threatened, "I'm going to beat the shit out of you when we get home," and, "Now I'm really going to kill you." Hearing Rihanna's screams, a neighbor in the residential area where they were parked called 911.

Sure, Brown publicly apologized. He also reached a plea bargain in the felony assault case, requiring him to serve probation, community service and counseling, according to CNN.com. But now, he is using his media attention more for monetary gain instead of redemption.

Brown's latest album Graffiti was scheduled for release Dec. 15 but has since been moved up a week, most likely to capitalize on all of the recent publicity surrounding him and Rihanna.

I understand Brown's career requires him to continue to make music and tour, but the success of artists in the music industry relies solely on fan support, which I don't believe Brown deserves. Yes, Brown is donating a portion of proceeds from his current Fan Appreciation Tour to a domestic violence intervention organization, but this is a cleverly planned PR maneuver.

One might argue people's personal lives shouldn't interfere with their occupation. After all, countless domestic abusers out there still have jobs. I have a hard time lending support to anyone who resorts to abuse, let alone an extremely popular and influential superstar. Even though an R&B singer might not be the best role model, young people still idolize him, so what kind of message does that send?

Not that Rihanna is exempt from using her personal life to propel her career. I doubt it was any coincidence the television interview aired a mere two and a half weeks before her new album drops. I would much rather support the woman who survived a violent attack and continued on with her career than the man who was the cause of said abuse.

I do believe Chris Brown is a talented performer, and I'm not an advocate for holding grudges. I just think Brown's return to the music industry is poorly timed and ill-motivated.