| |
LOS ANGELES: Police in Los Angeles were investigating on Friday the leak of a photo that appeared to show the battered face of pop star Rihanna after an incident involving boyfriend Chris Brown this month.
The celebrity news website TMZ.com published the photo of R&B star Rihanna with a series of clearly visible scratches and bruises.
Singer-songwriter Brown is alleged to have attacked the Barbados-born star after an argument in Los Angeles on February 8 that led to Rihanna cancelling a scheduled appearance at the Grammys.
Brown surrendered to police for questioning and was booked on suspicion of making a felony threat before being released on a 50,000-dollar bail.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a statement on Friday that an internal investigation was underway and that anyone found leaking information could be sacked.
"The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence," a department statement said.
"A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination."
Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty, criticised the LAPD for the emergence of the photo. "Sloppy work on their part," he told People magazine.
Meanwhile, Rihanna, who cancelled scheduled concerts in Malaysia and Indonesia this week, broke her silence in a statement released by her representative that coincided with the singer's 21st birthday.
"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," the statement said.
"She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support that she has received during this difficult time."
- AFP/so
|
