A pall was cast over the Grammys on Sunday night when police said just 90 minutes before the show began that they were investigating nominee Chris Brown for allegedly attacking a woman the night before. And minutes before U2 opened the the telecast with its new single, the Recording Academy said Rihanna, Brown’s longtime girlfriend, had scratched her performance.
A police statement said the 19-year-old Brown had argued with an unidentified woman Saturday night, and that the fight escalated when they got out of a vehicle in the ritzy Hancock Park neighborhood. The woman told authorities that her attacker was Brown, who was not at the scene.
A CBS promotion for the upcoming show touted the R&B singer and dancer as a performer just minutes before it began, though he had not been spotted at the Staples Center as of late Sunday afternoon. A representative for Brown had no comment when approached at the venue.
Brown has long been dating pop superstar Rihanna, who was slated to perform early in the show. But she dropped out, the Recording Academy said in a statement less than an hour before the show, and she was not seen at the venue as the show was about to get under way.
“We’re sorry she is unable to join us this evening,” the statement said. It did not provide details as to why.
Rihanna was supposed to sing “Live Your Life/Disturbia” as the second performance of the night, Brown was later to sing “Forever.”
Brown and Rihanna were both nominated in the pop collaboration with vocals category, Brown for “No Air” with “American Idol” champion Jordin Sparks; and Rihanna for “If I Never See Your Face Again” with Maroon 5.
Brown was also nominated for male R&B vocal performance for “Take You Down.”
i hate chris brown right now and i don’t i would ever have respect for him again, Chirs your a bitch to be hitting a woman and i know u lost alot of your fans
That’s terrible! But if you look at the Pre-Grammy Party pics, Chris appears really annoyed at Rihanna. So, maybe this turmoil has been brewing for a long time. *This proves that money and fame can’t buy happiness*
I wish her a speedy recovery.
The police has NOT said the girl was Rihanna!
Well according to E! news who have been on this case since the beginning said that it was confirmed that unidentified woman was indeed Rihanna. No one knows for sure, we are just reporting what we see and hear.
who else would it have been think about it, they left the party together, there are pictures of the both of ‘em driving off in his car so it has to be her. i cant believe he actually hit a girl. i guess u cant judge a book by its cover.
ugh if this is true I hate chris brown how dare he hit a woman!!! it doesnt even matter if the woman was rihanna or not its just the principle of it all!!! I really hope that this is not true
I love yu Rihanna i hope your ok an yu know your fans are here for you…we love you Rihanna…
I dont think it’s true at all !! The press always make a big deal out of nothing, so befor there is more prove i dont belive it, it’s not fair for either cb og riri !!!
Rihanna, if it is true, leave that bloke… don’t make the same mistake as Whitney with her Brown!!! Keep strong and you’re head up high, aye?!