She's not a role model, she's a singer. Children emulate the behaviors of their parents, not those of celebrities.

I agree totally with you . What message does this send out to our already confused young ladies..We are parents have to stress to them that this not the way it should be. If he hits you once, he will surely do it again.

I think Rihanna is ridiculous. I have lost all respect for her and will no longer purchase any Rihanna merchandise. She is not a role model, if anything, she is telling women it is ok to be severly beaten by their mate and take him back when he says he is sorry. Good luck Rihanna, hope he don't kill you next time.

It's simple.
Riahanna is an idiot. Chris Brown is an abuser and an idiot.
They deserve eachother.

Heck.... next time he might kill her.

Rihanna is setting a terrible example. She is not a role model...she is a dumb model.

I agree that she is setting a bad example, but my question is – how could her family and friends let her go back? Isn't there anything they can do to stop her?

Rihanna is an idiot for getting back with Chris Brown. If she thinks he will never do that again to her, she is very naive. Maybe someone should take her to a shelter for battered women. Hopefully by speaking to those victims, Rihanna will learn that if he did it once, he WILL do it again.

Rihanna will be the next Tina Turner. Eventually she had to be strong enough to leave the thug. Chris Brown should go to jail. It was a savage attack.

Wow, I'm glad the author has everything figured out! I'm sure this wasn't a complex situation with both parties contributing to the unfortunate end result. Better to label (while deriding the labeling of) this girl as an abuse victim and the boyfriend as a "thug" (since he is a young black male after all!), without delving into the context of the initial conflict whatsoever. Thanks media....you win again!

I know she may love him, but as far as I'm concerned, she is not being a role model.

She deserves a personal life, but also because this transpired in the public eye, it is now a public matter. I hate to use the old cliche that all of these people look up to her, but they do, and I think that is a responsibility that she should be aware of.

Maybe if she made a PSA or something. I think something needs to be said about this or else. The problem of abuse needs to be addressed by those who have been abused.

Thank you for someone finally bringing to the forefront that by all appearances Rihanna has decided that the behavior by Chris Brown is ok. I think that she should feel the burden if this behavior has happened in the past, which by the reports that I have read it has. If this is the case, and she chose to stay around and remain the the light of celebrity then absolutely she should feel this burden and just as sponsors and radio stations etc have abandoned Chris Brown they should abandon Rihanna as well. As long as she allows the behavior to continue she is a part of the problem.

it's shameful and ridiculous and frankly just sad. sad that she doesn't have enough confidence that she can do better.

I think it is very sad that she believes "He's not really like this". Honey, he's just getting started. She needs to walk away from this creep before he seriously maims her, or worse yet, kills her. Bullies like him don't just do this just once! First offense or not, he needs to be punished. This abuse is NOT acceptable. As far as either one of them being role models? Neither one of them!

If they were married, I would say most definitely – seek counseling and work it out, so long as infidelity is not the issue. BUT, this is a boyfriend/girlfriend thing with nothing legally or morally binding them together. Dare I say look at the dive Whitney Houston took career and health-wise when she chose to marry a man she KNEW to be a thug?

I will never buy or listen to either one of these singers again. He broke the rules of human decency when he hit her, and she lost all common sense by taking him back.
They can try to live off what money they've made. In my book and many others... they are history and the fame time limit is up. He is now.. infamous.

Not sure if she has the responsibility of being a "role model" on the issue of domestic violence. But, she does have a responsibility to protect herself. Perhaps, because she is so young, she may be unaware that violent situations rarely, if ever, get better. They almost always do not. I strongly encourage Rihanna to call Tina Turner and begin to get some help.

Of course she should feel the burden! It's one of the drawbacks of fame – you want the rewards, you've got to deal with the price as well. I feel bad for her, and I'm sure she feels terribly conflicted, but she still needs to think about the message she's sending young girls. If she can't take care of herself, if she can't deal with letting him go after what he did to her, if she has low self-esteem, whatever – I would hope that if she considers the message she is sending to her fans would be enough to make her get rid of him, and take care of herself.

My 12 year old niece knows wh Rihanna is and is aware of her "situation". My sister has told her daughter that it is never acceptable for a man to do this to a woman and that if it ever happened to her , Mom would expect her to leave IMMEDIATELY.

I tell you what if ANY man ever lays a hand on my baby girl he's going to have to deal with ME and it won't be pleasant. I don't care if it's her husband. And if it happens to be her husband and she decides to go back to him, then I wash my hands of the whole situation. If Rihanna wants to be a role model for not only young girls but the young folks period she would dump this chump, let his career sink, and move on. If a man puts his hands on you once he will do it again. It might be years down the line but he will.

I THINK SHE SHOULD NEVER SEE THIS ABUSER EVER, IF SHE DOES, THIS WILL BE THE END OF HER CARRER, HIS IS OVER, THIS MAN IS A COWARD AND SHOULD BE PUT IN JAIL , AND FOR THIS YOUNG WOMAN NEXT TIME WILL BE WORST, HE WILL BEAT HER TO DEATH.

Wow, I went back to my abuser and he almost killed me. He choked me unconscious and dragged me on the pavement causing the skin to come off one side of my face.......I finally learned my lesson. He was charged with 3rd degree assault. I never went back after that.

As a celebrity she doesn't have much choice in the matter with respect to now being a role model for battered women. Its unfortunate that she is making the absolutely wrong decision and girls across the country will use her as an example when their boyfriend or husband beat them. She shouldn't have to take one for the team but in this case, one beating from him is enough and she should scream it out loud.

Unfortunate all around. But why on earth would she take him back? It's been suggested that the fight started due to a message from another woman. He's cheating on her and he beats her up?

Young, dumb and beautiful. Where are the role models now?

As a role model- no. But this may shed some light on abuse. I had a daughter who suffered physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband for 9 years. She left once and went back. When she left the second time, she went into a safe house. She had all kinds of support and help- until her 30 days were up. Then it's you need to get out and find a place. No financial help for her and her 2 children even though she left EVERYTHING behind. She works full time and in our state $10 an hour is enough to rent a place, pay utulities, feed and clothe everyone, make a car payment, etc. Not one bit of help. My husband and I put ourselves into considerable debt to help her out and feel secure. Counseling is great but I have no doubt that my daughter would have went back if we had'nt have helped her out. She still needs a lot of counseling and therapy because all the years of mental abuse have led her to think that whenever anything goes wrong, she is to blame. And the court systems! Even tough she had a protection of order against her husband, the Law guardian felt she should "grow up and be mature enough" to deal with her husband regarding the kids. Typical type of thinking. And that was a female law guardian to boot. There has been a lot of lip service paid to abuse but the reality is, the total support needed is just not there

rihanna a role model...get serious...she needs the yes people away from her and someone to tell her the truth....brown is sick and needs help...you should leave him and get some help yourself...run for your life...litterally

Role model, no. Sad girl, yes.

now young people will think this how treat each other!!! I am sure this is not the first time this has happened and will not be the last!!!!!

I spent 5 years of terror in an abusive relationship saying the same things Rihanna has said. I slept in closets, ignored my friends, severed ties with my family, and much more. He did try to kill me after theat after threat after threat and promise after promise after promise.
After 5 years of abuse and proof that he was cheating, he up and left me. Good for me and my future...for the most part. However, three years out, I still deal with the emotional scars that feel they will never close. I still deal daily with the financial ruin he caused and the damage to my credit because I wanted to please him to stop the abuse...
I hope Chris Brown has changed but a leopard doesn't change its spots. I wonder if some day we'll be reading about Rihanna's tragic death or if she'll become a survivor like me.

I think that she is in a position where she can totally send this scum bag to the curb. She is not dependant on him for financial stability. She is not dependant on him for anything. She is a beautiful, talented young woman who has the power to not be in an abusive relationship. She needs to realize that whether she wants to bear the responsibility of our young children taking their relationship cues from her or not, she will. She chose to be a role model when she became a public figure. I agree that celebrities have a right to privacy, but you have to know you are always being watched when you put yourself out there like that. I really hope that this young woman and young man can get themselves together.

A talk show host mentioned that if this issue doesn't blow over there are business entities (Shawn Combs' among others) that have a monetary interest in the careers of Rhianna and Chris and stand to lose money if the reputation and therefore the earning power of either is damaged. This host suggested therefore that the business people will try to put pressure on Chris and Rhianna to make it appear that all is well.....I think that this is a possible aspect and as always.....it's all about the money. Too bad people can't focus on what's the RIGHT and good thing to do......Shawn!!!

I was abused at a very young age. 16 when I was hit for the very 1st time. I actually believed he did it because he loved me so much that he didn't want to lose me. It took me a long time to FINALLY open my eyes and realize that it wasn't love. It just got easier for him to do it. Rihanna is young as well. It's unfortunate that she is in the public eye because young women as well as older women who are still being abused will look at Rihanna and make the same decision to take the abuser back. Prayerfully Rihanna will open her eyes sooner. We have to stay away from judging her, though. I think the other entertainers that are in her corner should be real with her about the seriousness of what happened and encourage her and Chris to take a break/ or go their seperate ways.

I hope Rihannia is not takin to be a Role Model.....I hate to think that any other person would voluntarily want to go through what I and Rihannia did......

I hope Rihannia is not takin to be a Role Model.....I hate to think that any other person would voluntarily want to go through what I and Rihannia did......

I am a father of both a boy (9) and a girl (7) who both like Rihanna's music. However, her taking Chris Brown back is a terrible role model decision. Yes, a role model decision. I get very tired of celebrities retreating into the "its my personal decision" whenever there is heat. If you are willing to be open to the public and make a lot of money when things are good, you have to be equally responsible and stand up to public ridicule when things go bad. Rihanna's choice of accepting the "change" tosses women back. In effect, her choice says, if he beats you up girls and says he's "sorry", then return to him. Good singer. Bad role model. Bad decision.

In any and all of life's situations: the first time you are a victim,the second time and thereafter you become a volunteer. Stay this route and eventually you will become a cadaver. I'm not blaming the victim, but enough is enough! Free will and choice belong to everyone.
I am soooo sick and tired of hearing about this Chris Brown/Rhianna nonsense. You can't make a person do what you think is the right thing. She is setting an extremely bad precedence for abused persons, male or female, everywhere.
I am also not in favor of radio stations not playing his music or people offended when his music is played. If you can separate the escapades of Michael Jackson and R.Kelly from their music/talent, then there is no need to stop me from listening to a CD I already own. If anything I wouldn't want my daughters/nieces supporting or listening to Rhianna. Her records sales will reflect/suffer this sentiment.

Amy

I offfended that you labled him a vicious thug?? That's an interesting way of putting it. I don't think you know what a thug is. His actions were not right but after all he is a 19 year old kid and mistakes will be made. I think to call him a thug is way out of line. Until this incident he has been a model kid. You people always throw your little racist undertones in everything. The bottom line is you or I really dont know what happened. When the two people that were actually there speak out then I will form an opinion. Regardless of what happened I still will not label him a thug. There is nothing in his past that constitutes that type of labeling. Is Michael Phelps a thug?

I do agree that this issue is a personal matter. But Rihanna is a performer and a role model to young women around the world. By Rihanna accepting Chris Brown back this sends a very negative message to all women. "It is ok to be beaten by a man."

Unfortunately because she is young and immature she doesn't yet grasp "abuse". Sometimes it takes numerous incidents like these to understand the pattern of abuse before she "gets it". Hopefully her family is staying close to her to guide her as it most likely will happen again.

Unfortunately, when you are a superstar, you do not get to choose which part of your life you wish to portray to the public. Good or bad, its all ours to see, its part of the package. I am sickened by the fact that this young woman would take him back after he struck her. And whether you are a man or a woman, if your partner abuses you, you should have the self respect to walk away and move into a healthy relationship. Our young people aren't stupid. Both of my sons think that Chris Brown should go to jail and Rihanna is stupid to stay with him. I would imagine that sentiment is felt amongst alot of our teens without us even having to say another word.

As a mother if 2 teenage girls, I feel that she is making the worst choices and we are using her an an example. An example of what NOT to do! She is showing the text book signs of an abused woman under psychological control of her abuser. It is a shame. I'm sure a lot of people are very disappointed in her actions. She had the opportunity to speak to all the young women of the world by standing up for herself, leaving an abusive situation (even if she loves him), and taking care of herself. Its a shame she failed at the single biggest opportunity she had to make a difference in the world.

Anderson you couldn't have said it better. I think to some extent all of us who are parents, sisters, friends, etc., have also be shocked by this horrific event. And while Rihanna may not want to be spokesperson for battered women, she does have a responsibility to herself and her fans to be angry and disgusted at what her boyfriend has done. He has committed an assault for all the world to see and hear about. Shame on Rihanna for thinking this will not affect the young girls and boys who may think if it's okay for Rihanna and Chris Brown - then I can continue to batter my girlfriend or wife or anyone else. Thank you for your comments. Mary

Rihanna should be pitied and prayed for, not reviled for her choice. As much as he needs help, she does too. She is young and immature, taking on too much too soon. Young women can learn from this; that really I have my whole life ahead of me, let me take things a little slower when it comes on to relationships; let me ask myself, am I mature enough to deal with the this, is he?

it baffles me why Rihanna got back together with Chris when THE WORLD is shouting at her to run away! How can she be so blind and stubborn?!
I don't think P Diddy and some of the other rap stars who have been defending Chris are any help to her either. These guys make up a lot of her inner circle, and are seemingly encouraging her to stay with Chris. Even her own father support her wishes to return to Chris!

It is hard to believe that Rhianna's self worth is so low being that her amazing career and looks are fabulous. I do wonder if this is a cultural dilema she is facing. Some cultures look at domestic abuse diffently. I was abused, almost the same way as Rhianna. I stayed until I realized that God did not design my life for this abuse. I prayed and did get away, but it is hard to do, especially with the world watching. God Bless those abused and hopefully Chris Brown will accept psychological help

The personal is political, especially when you live in the limelight. It's sad when you have to take a story and turn it into a lesson for your kids by saying "do not do what she/he did." I wish there were more stories where I could say "do that!" Rihanna should not have to make decisions based on what others will think but she also needs to understand her role in shaping opinions of young people who listen to her music. The biggest let-down is Chris Brown. Hopefully, fathers are telling their sons – never never never act like him.

I responded to calls of this type for just over 25 years.Rihanna is doing exactly what many victims do,try to block out the truth. If she stays with him,it will happen again.Might take a week,month,year.
But it's never over.
In the end, I've seen serious injury, and death as a result of letting the abuser get away the first time.
Rihanna,from a retired Police Officer,Dad and Grandfather,walk away from him today.

Unfortunately she is setting an example for young woman in these types of situation..I wish it did not have to be that way..its not fair but its the price of fame..
she should really re-think taking him back not for the public but for herself first.

I definetly think Rihanna is making a poor choice here, especially since official records have her stating that the attacks have not only happened before, but have been escalating in violence. She can't step outside of herself and act like a grown up in this day-in-age and see that this will not stop, this is not a healthy relationship, and in her position, she can't afford to send this message to her fans or to other women out there. Like it or not, she is a role model.

I wish we picked our "role models" with more thought sometimes. Many highly visible people, such as Britney Spears, simply shouldn't cater to the audience they do for the audience's protection!

There is a woman in our group of friends who left her abusive husband. She has agreed to give him a second chance, against the advice of everyone from friends, family, colleagues, and even her therapist. I fear that this story is just giving her more incentive to go back to the monster she is married to, that it is the confirmation she craves that she can't get from anyone she knows on a personal level. I am sickened and disgusted and pray that both women will come to their senses before it is too late.

If she goes back to a man who abused her so terribly, she is not a role model, she is – sadly – a cliche.

She should deal with it in the way she wants. We put to much pressure on these people and we must remember they are just like you and me. I do agree that she should at the least make a statement that this is very wrong, but after that, she needs to live her life

I agree, this was an unfortunate situation. Probably like others may say "It is really none of our buisness". However, I do think that this establishes the wrong tone when it comes to battered women. So will young people, young women continue to abuse or get abuse because this youth idol chose to stay with her man after he beat her up? It is possible.

However, if it was me, I would leave because somewhere down the road 5 years 10 years, when everyone has forgotten, it will happen again. On the other hand, we do not know the extent of this relationship (which does not matter) nor the complete facts about what happened at the scene. We are only making perceptions and conclusions based on an arrest report. Who knows. Hopefully, she (Rihanna) will quietly grow away from Chris. I wish her the best.

I was disappointed to see that she took him back. Then, I read some of the police report summary of what happened, and I was truly sickened. Hearing what public figures are saying about the situation (that they 'need time to work things out', that 'they'll be okay', and the assumption that this is a bump in the road that could happen to anyone) has really disturbed me and shown that there is a desperate need for more education about domestic violence. I really feel for her–she'll have people angry at her whatever she does, and her career is involved. I just wish she'd been able to rise to the occasion and stand up for herself and victims everywhere, because–like it or not–the world IS watching. Our daughters AND sons are watching.

Anderson, did you really think for one moment that she would not take him back? The odds are that this is not the first time he has been violent towards her because he was too comfortable beating her in his luxurious car. Rhianna is very young and it will take years for her to realize the mistake she is currently making. The damage that her reconcillation will do to thousands of young girls will be remarkable, but yet women stay and let their own children watch to the abuse. Hope is what keeps them there, and hope could be a terrible thing sometimes becaues all statistics show that batterers never really stop. It takes a lot of courage to just walk away from an abuser. The blog you wrote about this whole thing is exactly what I was thinking and worrying about ( message to all women and abused individuals). I just hope Rhianna does not end up like Whitney Houston where upon it took her decades to see the light.

Rhianna is a horrible role model and I will never purchase her music for my daughter again. Too may young women find themselves the victim of an abusive boyfriend and they need someone to show them that this behavior is NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Unfortunatley, Rhianna is sending the message that its ok for young girls to accept this type of abuse from their boyfriends. I want my daughter to look up to women who are examples of strong women who are not afraid to demand they be treated with respect.

Rhianna will no doubt find herself the target of Chris Brown's rage in the future and she will have no one to blame but herself. Hopefully he won't follow through on his threat to kill her but if he does she can't say she didn't have fair warning

Rihanna has let down all battered women around the world. First off, Rihanna said his temper was getting more and more out of control and second, to take back that woman beater?!?! Are you kidding? That is no message to send to her fans or anyone, man or woman, who is being abused by others. I'm sorry, I learned at an early age, they hit you once and beg for forgiveness, then it happens again and the more they apologize the more people take them back until they realize the abuser has the victim right where he wants them. It will happen again and it will get worse. Just think of all domestic violence that ends in death. I think Chris Brown proved his capabilities. He needs to spend some time in jail thinking of his actions and when released he needs to be put into a program to try and prevent this from ever happening again and if it does, he should be locked up for life.

Of course, she should have to carry that flag.

Part of being a celebrity is being a public figure, and setting yourself as a role model, especially when your art is reaching out to the young generation.

How can she, in good conscience, go back to the man who brutally abused her and consider herself a role model? This is dangerous; This is foolish; and to expect that young women should take her example is ridiculous.

I have sympathy for Rihanna. I truly do. However, her actions, after such a brutal beating, have sent the message to millions of young women that she, the person to whom they are supposed to look up to, can't even leave an abusive relationship. So how can they?

As a parent, if I found out that my daughter had been physically harmed by her INsignificant other...well let's just say the law would be knocking on my door. As a husband, I can't even stomach what this loser did. I don't care how successful materially you are, once you lose self control and strike your mate, you're a loser.

Role model? Not hardly. I agree with your statement of Rhianna's actions setting back a decades long campaign against domestic violence. She may not have asked to be a role model, but once you choose a career in the public eye, TOO LATE. And as for this Chris Brown loser...words can't describe what a coward he is.

Whether or not she wants the distinction of being a role model is sadly irrelevant. The career she has chosen exposes her to millions, so it is what it is.

By choosing to not speak out against her alleged attacker or abuse in general, two things are accomplished: first, she sends a signal to women that this behavior is acceptable and forgivable, which in of itself is a tremendous setback for the advances women have made against this type of utterly repugnant thuggery.

Second, it sends a message to young men that its ok to strike out at women, that they'll take you back, that it was just "the heat of the moment," that it's part of the ups and downs of a new relationship.

My God, if this is how he acts when they're just dating...!

This girl needs some serious career advice, some serious personal advice and some self-worth evaluation. Where are her parents?

As a mom I worry that a teen in same situation will think of Rihanna and say to herself " If Rihanna stood my her man, why can't I " Teens think losing their first love means the world is coming to an end. They will tolerated any beating. Rihanna has to really ask herself could I do what he did to me and really belief " ITS TRUE LOVE". The person that punched me like he was fighting a man or stranger and bit me, loves me? Scary, scary thought as a mother.

She unfortunately is a role model. I say unfortunate because now all her followers are going to see the mistake she is doing by going back to her abusive relationship with Chris Brown. The majority of her followers are teen girls who are going to think that this type of behavior is ok. So I would suggest to all parents to speak with their children on how this behavior is not ok, and unacceptable.

I've already talked to my 11 y.o. girl and 5 y.o. boy about this shortly after it occurred. First, I told them, don't believe everything you hear, until this goes to court, as we are all innocent until proven guilty in America. Second, I told them no matter how famous you are for anything, once you are a woman-beater, that's how you are going to be thought of, regardless of how talented you are (see Ike Turner, or O.J.). Third, if he's guilty and she stays, she is no longer a role model for anyone, and ought to lose every endorsement she has. Period.

True she is setting a bad example. Mr. Brown's uncontrolled emotions that led to first incident might lead to another one God Forbid.

Individuals like these need a strict punishment according to the law, that itself should be an example for men with such complusions.

Rihanna does bear the burden because she is in the spot light, that is her job. Young girls and boys are likely to follow their example because Miss Rihanna and Mr. Brown project themselves to these children from a fashionable prespective. These icons define what's in trend. What is in Trend?
Guys can beat up their girlfriends and get away with it.

I have been personally touched by abuse. A very good friend of mine was abused by a boyfriend frequently. It took her many years to break away from him and several more years to finally sleep at night without fear that he would break into her house and kill her. So I can understand how Rihanna is torn. When you love someone it is hard to grasp the ugliness that is within them.
With that said as a parent I feel that she is making a huge mistake and is setting a bad example. I know that she is human but when you choose a career that puts you in the public spotlight you need to also set an example for the people that look up to you. Fair or not by taking Chris back she is telling young women and young men that it is ok to attacked savagely by someone you love. And if he did and said the things that are being reported he is not going to change.
As a parent I will continue to teach my (two boys and a girl) that it is not ever acceptable to hit or be hit by someone they are in a relationship with. I pray that they will through our guidance as parents to respect theirselves and others enough to live by that rule.

She needs to get out of this abusive relationship now, period.

Well, you know it's not like we can AVOID this on television anymore, but the kids see it for just what it is:
---
Dad, did he beat her up?

Yep.

And she went back to him?

Yep.

She's dumb.

Yep.
---

Not much else to add there, no matter if they're 4 or 24. Kids know dumb when they see it.

I was personally VERY disappointed in Rihanna and her choices. Not only did she go back to Chris Brown after he beat her once, he apparently has been abusing her for awhile. I once thought of her as a fearless, strong woman, but I was disallusioned. Not that I expect Rihanna to be a goddess free of error, but if you choose to put yourself in the limelight there is a price to pay. It disappoints me that she would not at least firmly decline any chance of reconciliation with Brown. Honestly, when this first happened I didn't expect her to go around the country speaking out on behalf of victims of domestic violence. She has chosen to be a public figure, and her actions speak louder than the words of any activist.

What would you tell your own daughter Rihanna if this happened to her? What advice would you give her? Would you honestly tell her to go back to him?

Listen to that answer and act accordingly

I think Rihanna is immature and does not understand the intensity of this abuse. By not getting the restraining orders against Chris Brown, she is putting her life in danger and if that happens, it will be a real waste of talent. She needs to leave him – forget him and move on.

Every woman–everywhere, in every walk of life–is a role model for girls and young women. We should all be aware of that an act accordingly. So she loves him–SO WHAT! Rihanna is doing all of us women a disservice. I'm so sorry no one ever taught her that, just because you may love someone it doesn't mean they should be part of your life.

Well, if it isn't political, it is now since it's up on the CNN blog. I also don't know what all happened either. She got the daylights beat out of her it seems. I just think there's too much attention on this though.

No man should hit a woman. He needs counseling. But I think we would be best served if we focused on other things rather than this personal issue between two young people until the smoke clears. Besides there's plenty of other things to talk about...

A role model? NO! An example of violence that is still happening and the mindset that goes with it....YES! This happens way too often to a lot of women and the fact that Rihanna has not stepped away from Chris Brown is really sad. She doesn't have to be the spokesperson for domestic violence but she did send a strong message. Both bad and good. She showed the world that no matter what place in life you are in it happens and it NEEDS to be addressed. That's the good part of it but the bad part is is that she doesn't care enough about herself to save herself.

I stopped listening to Chris Brown after this happened. I think Rhianna can make her own decisions. I feel bad that her life is so maginified right now and she will be judged for whatever decision she makes. People just need to leave them alone and let them deal with their problems by themselves.

Regardless of whether or not she asked for the role or stature of role model, Rhianna became one the moment she stepped on the stage. To take so lightly the destruction Chris Brown brought to her life shames her completely.

Chris Brown will again and again abuse her. He may be craftier next time. Employing old tricks. Mental abuse. Bruises where they won't be seen.

She is an enabler. Thats her role now.

Whats worse, when other famous rappers, r&b singers, sports figures were asked about the attack, they were all peace & love for the couple. Not chastising him for his behaviour & now Rhianna's.

Shameful.

Your article stated that she didn't choose for this to happen to her. Unfortunately, it did. Maybe she doesn't even want to be a role model, but she is. While she certainly never deserved the treatment she got from her so-called boyfriend, young kids look up to this woman. By going back to the idiot who beat her up, she is sending a very negative message to our young people. Thank God my girls are grown and know without a doubt that this type of behavior is never to be tolerated. I hope she wakes up before it's too late.

As the mother of 4 girls I am stunned by the fact that Rihanna is going back to this man (boy). It is not her fault that she was beaten but it is her decision to go back to him. I think being in the public eye and being a role model is part of what she signed up for. However, it is ridiculous behavior on her part. I fear that the next news story is going to be that he killed her.

As a parent of a 15 year old daughter, I feel that Rihanna IS responsible for setting an example. Millions of boys and girls are avid listeners, who follow her lead. As pointed out, getting back with Chris Brown is not only putting herself in danger but potentially putting millions in danger by setting THIS example!

Hopefully his felony conviction will teach him a lesson....

I am sure she's not the only who has done this. Because she is so famous we hold her to a higher standard. I am not defending Chris Brown because no man should hit a women. However when you are faced in the same situation, what would you really do? Love is blind. I hope she does'nt have the nerve to defend him or even go to any domestic violence charity events. She does have a negative impact on our young population. I hope girl's don't see this as an "OK" thing to do.

I think this is a very sad situation... She is caught in a catch 22. Regardless to her status, she is an abused woman and very much in love... I think it is unfair to somehow blame her for choosing to stay! Right now she is the face millions of women who feel trapped in an abusive situation and feel that they can't leave... And although it is not P.C. to say, "many women can identify with her situation".... This is the result of having very traumatic childhoods the cycle repeats itself... So instead of questioning her ability to be a Role model to young girls, parents should begin to examine themselves and make sure they are setting a proper example for their children. Because children turn into adults who mimic their parents...

None of our business. That kid Brown seems like a misguided punk kid...to young and needs to be taught...but its private....everyone should look in the mirror before they judge....she could be impossible to deal with too....but again not reason to beat her up...but remember these are kids.....they are not adults.....they do whatever they want whenever they want....let him suffer legally and let them get on with their lives...everyone should try and mind their OWN business. The role model should be a scholar......or President, not people who sing songs other people wrote. Sports and Music is a fantasy role....in the real world people work and are rewarded for their merit, not fame. Show some more of her Butt and tell me she is a role model? please! She is workin' it for money...she is not saying anything.

This story really disturbs me in all aspects. Here you have a young man that evidently learned from his step-father that it is okay to beat women and then you have this young beautiful woman who appears to be accepting his behavior. They are both role models to millions of young and old people and they are both sending a very bad message.

I have a 14 year old boy who I am trying to teach right from wrong and I have clearly told him that it is not okay to abuse women. He said that everyone in his school is talking about this incident which means that Chris and Rihanna may have been successful in getting their very bad message across.

whoa.....yes Rhianna should be held up as a role model. Anyone is any position of recognition....be it Alex Rodrigues with steroids or Michael Richards with his tirard about African-Americans – these are people in the public and their actions and/or comments have a negative effect on perceptions.

I think her choice is dumb, but it's her choice – not ours. If a parent wants their kids to grow up smart they should be the ones to educate their kids, and not rely on an actor/actress/political figure. For some reason we idolize these folks and say "well they are great entertainers who have millions so we should mimic them." Well, if you want to be sheep then be sheep...me I plan on telling my kids "enjoy their music, but realize they are people just like you and me and they make mistakes. Listen to the people who know you, and care about you not some person you've never met".

Goodluck to Rihanna in all things and hopefully she won't get beat again. Her life, her choice. She is not trying to set precedent just enjoy life.

It is not only her example but more frightening are the actions and subsequent dismissal of Chris Brown's violent albeit possible fatal attack. Rihanna can deny the undeniable, Chris doesn't love her.

Time for Mom and Dad to hop off their money train long enough to do some parenting.

I can understand how she is feeling, I stayed in an abusive relationship for 14 long years. My husband didn't start the abuse until after we were married. I finally relized that no matter what I did, how much I loved him, he was never going to change. What made me wake up was the last time he went after me, my daughter saw the whole thing and the look and fear in her eyes was the biggest wake up call I could have gotten. I was thinking is this the way I want to live the rest of my life? Is this the way I want my daughter to think she is supposed to be treated? Is this the way I want my sone to think he is supposed to act. The anser to all three questions was NO!! It has been almost a year and it has been hard but we are all better. My husband has a girlfriend and he has already done the same thngs to her. Rihanna will have to wake up herself, no matter what anyone says to her, she is going to think he will change, the he loves me and he will change. Oh, my husband would chage long enough to get back home or throw the legal things but within a few weeks back to the same old same old. We can only pry that she wakes up and realizes that he is not going to change, he may be Ok for awhile but it does not last.

Absoultely she she should feel the burden of millions of young boys & girls. I say boys first because I feel more than anything she is spreading the message to them that it is ok to lay your hands on a woman. So many women are in abusive realtionships because they feel they have no choice...no way out. But Rihanna does have a way out. Unlike many, she has the means, the finances, and the security to leave Chris Brown. I'm afraid young girls will tell themselves, if she can't leave, HOW CAN I??

The violent event was the perfect opportunity to bring up the subject of domestic violence with my preteen. If Rihanna had made quick work of ending the relationship, and had put out a strongly worded statement, she would have been a hero. But since she did not, it's a crucial time for parents to discuss with their kids what a poor choice she made. Her decision not to end the relationship is sad, but parental shock will have the greater impact.

She is setting a terrible example. They both are! She'll end up dead, he'll end up in prison. There is no reason in the world why they can't just never see or speak to each other again. No matter what the fight was about or who started it, if you're in a relationship and are having fights that are so bad as to involve punching, biting and choking, then you need to not be together. They'll both end up ruining their lives.

Who is she going to be a role model to – DOORMATS? A 19 year old woman with no life experience is NOT a role model. If by now she does not realize that a man loves and cherishes a woman he does not beat her she never will.

I would tell this woman to run as fast as she can from this man – she may still be able to go on with her career – as of now she is viewed as a low self-esteem doormat – I would not pay to see her nor buy her recordings – she is an enabler.

Parents need to be responsible for their own children and set examples that will make their children look up to them and not some entertainer/sports person etc.

In my view, both Rhianna and Chris have big problems. She, because she allows abuse to happen to her and him because he is the abuser. Once she decided that she can't be without him even though he nearly killed her I washed my hands of this situation. The only person that can help Rhianna is Rhianna and if she likes being beat to a pulp then more power to her. Next time, he will either kill her o she will kill him. Mark my words. This will relationship is going to end really badly. It is a pity though.

I would not tolerate such abuse, any kind of hit is a bad hit. If there is anything I am teaching my son is NEVER hit a woman no matter what!
She (Rihanna) can do better, she should be with someone her own age, he may be rich but he is very imature.

She would be setting the worst example in the world to stay with this guy. It would be a step backward for women's rights. Sounds like she was lucky to escape this incident with her life and she wants to give him another chance? What if they have children together? Will she let him beat the kids? Where does it end? As a mother of a young daughter, I plan to teach her that if it happens once, leave because you will always wonder when it will happen again. Don't give him another chance because you may not be so lucky the next time. Nobody is worth staying in an abusive relationship for!

Who cares? This is just the 2009 version of Tina and Ike. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.

I think that she is being a terrible role model for young girls. My daughter told me one of her friends at school is now considering going out with a boy who slapped her in the face because if a beautiful star like Rihanna is going to take her attacker back after she was black, blue and bloody why shouldn't she? If there was some way I could get this message directly to her I would. Also, I will NEVER let my daughter buy one of her CD's again or watch her television again at any time for taking back a man who would beat her.

Domestic Abuse is not caused by anger, Ms. Holmes, it is caused by the need to control, plain and simple.

If it were caused by anger, then everyone would beat up their partners, friends, and co-workers on a weekly basis. That's why anger management does not work in domestic abuse cases. They need control management. Further, the fact that he witnessed it in his home is exactly why I was not surprised that he did. It does not matter that he's charming or a good dancer. Boys who witness abuse in their homes are 1,000 times more likely to abuse others when they are older.

One of the first things we need to do is educate society that domestic abuse is about control, not anger.

Having said that, Ri has been thrust into being a role model when she became a celebrity, whether she wanted to or not, we know our youth do look up to those in Hollywood. So yes, now Ri will undoubtedly find out that some young girl decided to take back her abusive boyfriend because Ri did. This is not her fault, but it will happen.

It all starts at home though. I've been talking to my 8 yr. old and my 11 yr. old girls about this since it happened and they remember seeing bruises on me left by their father, whom I divorced years ago. I told them that Ri is a negative role model for girls, she is doing exactly what women should never do after being hit – go back to the abuser. Then they tell me that they're so happy I left their father!

Yes, it starts at home so they can synthesize what they see 'teen idols' do and decide what is a positive role model and what is a negative role model.

I hope that as men and women are talking to their daughters (and sons) about this incident, they focus more on options available to abused women than judgment of those who go back. Women who are victims of domestic abuse sometimes take their abusers back out of love, but they also take them back out of fear. Statistics show that a woman's greatest risk of being killed is right after she leaves an abuser. Abusers act out of control and any act perceived to undermine that control can (will) prompt a violent response. If Brown has threated to kill her – as the inappropriately leaked police notes indicate – he has probably also threatened to harm her loved ones too. All the police and the body guards and money in the world can only do so much to truly protect someone from the person who presumably knows her, her habits, her home, and her fears best, especially when the person is someone she loved (or loves). Only the abused woman knows the safest way to end an abusive situation. All parents, friends, and families can do is help make them aware of their options – police, shelters, etc., help them to evaluate the viability of those options, and act in any supportive function possible.

My daughter is 14 yrs old and LOVES Rhianna. However we talked last night and she is more upset over the fact that she took him back than when Chris Bown beat her up. I had no explanation for her other than Rhianna must be being given the complete wrong advice and counsel and really doesn't understand that this will only get worse instead of better. Being the celebrity that Chris Brown is, his ego is massive anyway and this will only make him feel more invincable. I feel so sorry for Rhianna......instead of her making something positive come out of a horrid situation, she is basically telling young girls that it is okay to be abused.

As a college-educated, upper middle class individual who also thought this could never happen to her, I also have worn the badge of “Battered Woman". Regardless of the high profile career she has chosen for herself, Rihanna is a woman. A woman that should have the dignity and respect for herself to believe that no person should EVER lay a hand on her in a fit of anger. Many times, a woman will try to justify in her mind why this rage has occurred. However, there is no justification. To go back to the man who has such a level of anger brewing inside of him that at any time, for any reason large or small, she could be the brunt of his anger. That is playing russian roulette with your life. No woman, famous or not, should compromise for such treatment.

Rihanna is acting on feelings that at best are decitful. She is very young and naive in the school of love and experience. Love is an action experience not a feeling. His actions do not demonstrate Love, it most certainly demonstrate abuser. She needs to know what the actions of love are really about. Love= kindness, forgiveness, joy, communication and sharing. Abuser=bad treatment, unforgiving, manipulating, servitude., and unfortunatledly many times death.

I've been saying it since the rumblings of them staying together started: dumb move for her personally and dumb example to set.

Whether she likes it or not, she just made domestic violence forgivable to a lot of kids.

I am saddened by her choice to return to Chris. Although, you cant help but still love someone, you must follow your mind and the advice of those that love you: DO NOT RETURN!!! She is too beautiful, smart and talented to allow this trash to bring her down. And to beat her un mercifully is just speechless. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. She is young and has a lot to learn. I hope she lives to learn it.

Give me a break!
When did the responsibility for raising our kids with knowledge and understanding get handed over to idols? Wake up America! We have lost sight of all reality.
This country has lived in a world that has been a dream, not reality. This incident has to be a sad place for Rihanna right now. How dare you think she should now be named as a role model. She now needs to heal mentally, physically and spiritually. Who cares about the world of public relations!
What has happened to the American dream? GOD is now showing us it has been a nightmare all along. The current state of America as well as the world is showing we have lost our sense of humanity for far too long and now most who believed the lie are suffering for it.
GOD help us all!
Rebecca
Sacramento CA

I think she absolutely is a role model and needs to act accordingly. Battered women come from every walk of life, from poverty stricken and uneducated women to successul businesswomen, all age groups and ethnic groups. She doesn't need to become a crusader, but to take him back is ridiculous. She needs therapy herself to understand why she's putting herself in this position. And maybe after HE has gone through therapy and realizes that money and power don't excuse him from following the law and acting like a human and not an animal, then HE can start speaking out against domestic violence. But her taking him back makes her weak, defeated, and a terrible role model. I know she loves him, but she is 21 and has the world at her feet...she deserves better.

My husband and I were discussing this very issue just last night. Although Rianna is a public figure, she should conduct her life the way she wants. However, like it or not, her status gives her immense power to show to young people (girls and boys alike) that domestic violence is never acceptable. To see her back with Brown is an appaling thought and it makes me want to discourage young people from listening to either of their music anymore.

Performers and politicians step into the limelight. Their actions become the seen warp and woof of our social culture.To take back an abuser without demanding therapy and anger management is blatantly young. To be young is to be vulnerable. Rihana owes it to herself and those young girls who look up to her, to make haste very slowly in this matter

The big problem with US is that there are no good role-models for children to look upto. And this Rihanna incident, shows that violence is justified, and accepted.
Violence at all levels should be routed, and if Rihhana does not cooperate with investigation, then she should also be sentenced and tried.
Here she is trying to save his career, and may have been bribed or threatened to do so.
Next time we hear the news that Chris Brown has murdered Rihanna, then that would be too late.

I'm sure it was not her choice to have it happen to her, but it will be her choice when it happens again.

She's free to live her life and make her own choices....she's free to be wrong.

When I hear, and read about this situation. The first thing that comes to mind is Nichole Brown, and what happened to her as the violence escalated. Personally, I don't care about whether or not she takes being a role model seriously. I do care, about her.

I have never heard, to this date, of any of these thug types ever changing. All I have ever heard about, and is widely backed up by history, is how the violence continues and escalates to the point it ends in someone's death. I just hope this young girl is mature enough to see what this person, of little maturity, will do to her if she stays with him. God help her if she is foolish enough to do so.

Well as a parent and someone who took a few hits from a boyfriend; I can say this. Unless you've been there keep your mouth shut. It's that simple. I was 23 and he was everything and I didn't come from a home without a father figure; in fact there is nothing my dad wouldn't have done for his kids. The same for mom.
It's the example parents set for their children. After I had a son for him and he tried to get physical with me, I was gone with my son and haven't been back. A Smart woman knows when to walk away.
At 23 it was about control and manipulation. How far could I push him, how do I get him to show me he loves me. After the fights he would cry and beg for forgiveness. The experts may disagree with me but for me – yeah it was manipulation. I'm 37 with a young son and I would never expose my child to that type of relationship. Its up to the parents not actors and singers.

Rhianna is probably no different than any other girl (or boy) in the world who grew up idolizing someone in the spotlght. Yes, their personal lives should be just that.. personal but we all know they are not. Therefore, choosing to have a career where you are put in display every moment should also come with a responsibility to your fans to be the best role model you can be since you are going to be one no matter what.

The fact that she is willing to take back the loser who did this to her speaks volumes aboiut her character... no self esteem... fear of him... it could be any number of things. However, this sends a message to all her fans that she is willing to have this happen again to satisfy a man. That is a HORRIBLE message to send to anyone.

It's sad and it would be horrible to "blackball" her because of her choices but she needs to realize that her actions (the act of taking him back) makes her look like a weak victim not willing to stand up for herself and what kind of role midel is that... not one I want my kids to idolize.

And as for him... he admitted what he did ... he should be in jail... end of storyl.

When I hear, and read about this situation. The first thing that comes to mind is Nichole Brown, and what happened to her as the violence escalated. Personally, I don't care about whether or not she takes being a role model seriously. I do care, about her. I have never heard, to this date, of any of these thug types ever changing. All I have ever heard about, and is widely backed up by history, is how the violence continues and escalates to the point it ends in someone's death. I just hope this young girl is mature enough to see what this person, of little maturity, will do to her if she stays with him. God help her if she is foolish enough to do so.

Rihanna should look her EX straight in the eye and tell him "I value myself too much to have anything further to do with you"! She needs to move on now! He does not require any more of her energy.

I think because they are in the public reaping the rewards and collecting the wealth, they have a certain responsibility to the public. If people want their privacy, get out of the public eye and stop profitting from being a public celebrity. Not everyone gets the chance to become famous, and there needs to be a standard they adhere to. I think Chris Brown's career should be destroyed after the way he acted. If Rihanna in fact is taking him back, she is not deserving either.

Anyone in the public eye is a role model whether they want to be or not. their day to day exposure to the masses impacts the mass. This is not a bad thing or good thing: it is the way we humans react to those who are important to us in some way. We take it or we leave it.

As adults we use critical thinking skills to determine what if any behavior we want to emulate from another person. (do we want to be more giving like Mother Teresa, more beautiful like Angolina Jolie...more confrontive like Rush Limbaugh...) If so, we emulate those very beahviors. But teens and young people are not yet able to use their set of critical thinking skills, but they are still being developed. Rianna's response to the abuse and to her abuser speaks to that...Chris knows what he learned and has yet to formalize his skills in this area. So...right now while they struggle with in thier own level of personal development, they are NOT the people we want our children to model. They are not "done yet..." as their own people. Parents and grandparents need tohelp their young people understand this by setting sound limits of exposure to Rihanna and Chris, and the reason why they are being limited. Then the parents just need to do it...what better message to send to Rihanna and Chris...?

Well, it opens up a conversation thread about domestic abuse if nothing else. Rihanna's going to go around with this invisible cloud that screams "Dumb Idiot For Love" now. Sadly. And yes, even though she's a victim of a violent assault, that WILL be part of the conversation, like it or not. Hope her special little criminal is worth her global respect collape. There's no bailout money for such a thing either. Even time doesn't do a whole lot in the loss-of-respect department. Because it will probably happen again.

It sickens me to see her go back to a man who viciously and maliciously damaged her physically and emotionally. She's a young, vibrant, vivacious woman who is successful and beautiful in her own right. No matter how she justifies this, it only boils down to every other woman in America staying with their abusive partners because "he loves me". Girls, if he loved he he wouldn't hurt you. Ever. Wise up and realize that what he loves is power and control and you're only making it easier for him to strip you of everything in your life that gives you strength so that you will be fully under his thumb.

You say that the Moms should tell their daughters abiout Rhianna's dangerous choice. Actually, it's the Dads that play the pivitol role in these situations. If a young woman feels cherished, adored, respected and esteemed by the first man in her life who loves her, then it would be harder for them to accept this treatment from other men. DADS – WHERE ARE YOU????

My daughter is 14 and loves Rhianna & Chris Brown. She is mortified by this story. She is very angry that this happened to her. She tells me every day about a new "rumor" she heard at school about what happened. I explained to her that she cannot believe everything that she reads or hears because we weren't there. You are right Rhianna didn't ask for this and I get tired of celebrity's always being in the spotlight and the world expecting more out of them. Aren't we all supposed to stand up for domestic violence? Since Rhianna is in the spotlight she needs to think about what she does because other people's children are watching her. MY CHILD IS WATCHING HER, although that is a lot of responsibility she chose to be famous. Not only Rhianna needs to stand up, but all of us need to rally around her and ALL women and/or men abused and pray that they get out of the situation they are in before someone really gets hurt.

Statistically this is not unusual.

However I hope soon Rihanna will overcome this and try to become a role model for other women in this situation. With her fame she could really become a great role model for women and inform the public about violence against women.

Let's hope Riri comes out on top!!
xoxo

Yes, she should. And so should every other battered woman. Role models come from all walks of life and its up to each and every one of us to pick up the torch when its laid before us, regardless of our public status.

It's not her burden to bear – she can only be responsible for her own choices. It is up to us as parents to teach our kids right from wrong, how to cope with stress and frustration,and that fame and money do not give you super powers or make you any smarter or better than anyone else. I hope that both Rihanna and Chris Brown get the help they need, before the next chapter of this story has a fatal ending.

Yes, she should feel the burden. You can ask the question "Is she a role model?" and the answer can be "no." She's certainly not the parent to my daughter, and I don't look to Hollywood for parenting cues. However, you can ask the question another way: "Whether she likes it or not, does she influence millions of people every day with her words and actions?" The answer to that question is "yes." Her decisions will influence the younger generation that made her rich, whether she likes it or not. If you are aware that you are influencing the youth of this country and then you take no responsibility for your actions, you should expect to be criticized. See, Britney Spears.

Role Model?! I don't think so.
She needs to understand that she's sending the wrong message to her attacker and to everyone around her. There's nothing wrong with forgiveness but taking him back sends this man the wrong message that it's okay to engage in such behavior. Apparently this is not the first time he's been abusive towards her. Probably the reason for escalation is her putting up with that sort of behavior in the first place. I'm not saying the Rihanna is to blame for this attack but she should've realized that once this guy understands that he can get away with something like that he'll continue to push the buttons. God forbid I hope there won't be anymoer incident but if there is she's going to be in greater danger.

I have also had a heightened interest in this story. I read the police report yesterday and based on Rihanna's statement it seems as though Chris Brown was trying to cause maximal injury, perhaps even death. He was portrayed as being completely out of control, in a violent rage. I doubt that Ministerial counseling alone will change his behavior towards her when he's angry. They probably both need domestic violence counseling – him to understand that violence against women is unacceptable and how to more appropriately deal with anger, and her to deal with what's happened and to understand that if she stays with him the statistics predict that it will happen again and could get worse. In my opinion she has not let enough time pass for her to develop any deep understanding of the situation, understand the choices before her and the potential consequences of those choices. I don't want to wake up one morning in the future to hear that another young woman paid the ultimate price at the hands of her abuser.

I am very upset that Rihanna is sending the wrong message to all her young fans. Domestic violence is a very disturbing problem and her actions are very upsetting. I realize she is young and thinks she loves that monster but she needs to understand she is the victim and under no circumstance should a man ever lay a hand on a woman. My two teenage daughters were visibly upset initially with Chris Brown and now are confused as to why Rhianna would take this abuse and blame herself for Chris Browns actions. I hope the courts take this case and make a statement that the rich and famous are not above the law. As for my daughters they are no longer fans of either of these two young and talented performers.

That is the problem with society today. Lets blame it all on someone else other than the people that raise our kids. Mind you, this situation is downright ridiculous, she's stupid for going back to him, and he's a downright pathetic man for beating a woman like he did. But our children are OUR responsiblity! Don't let them watch tv or listen to their music! Your the one paying for the music they listen to. Stop blaming everyone else for your children. Start looking at what you are doing to raise genuine trustworthy, law abiding, women respecting (or men), CHILDREN!

A role model? For whom – future abused teens and women?? Maybe the next time Chris beats her up, he'll kill her and then she won't be able to kiss and make-up with him. But I don't think she has the capacity to see that far ahead. She's a fool and so is her father, the enabler, evidently. You can blame Chris Brown only so much and then the rest is on her for going back to him. What a dope. When will these stupid girls get the message?

Why is it that only the victim believes the abuser when they say they are sorry and will never do it again? Everyone else knows that if they do it once they will do it again. Why does love make people so gullable?

Though I feel sorry for Rhianna as well as Chris.... They are not my children's role models me and their father as well as aunts and uncles, because who are they more likely to be like. We shouldn't expect our kids to see them as role models. We should tell them they are good example as to how to achieve your dreams but we should tell them as Rhianna would say. "Live Your Life." I wish them both luck and Pray that they both seek counsel. They are still young and need to understand that they shouldn't be so committed at that age. Plus it is none of our business. Rhianna and Chris can care less about what goes on in my house. we should feel the same....

It's a shame that these two young people had to go throw this. Love is not getting your head banged into a car window, getting bit on the ear, punched in the face repeatedly, being placed in a head lock and getting choked. That's what was reported. Seems like these two are out of control and should very well stay away from each other. The "I promise I'll change or I'll get help might work" excuse doesn't rehabilitate or work for everyone. There were rumors that this was not the first time that it happened, or at least not to the scale that it got to now. Rhianna dear if you read this I'm truly sorry this happened to you. Best if you cut your losses and move on. I would hate for this to repeat itself again.

I don't understand why everybody in the entertainment business is always looked upon as some big as hero or something they are just people . who knows what really happened and why. I will never justify any person actions to hit each other

Well I dont believe and would not allow my daughter to have a celebrity be a role model for her. As parents we have strong enough values, morals and expectations that I would hope my daughter would not want to or feel the need to have a celebrity as a "role model" Now having said that I thinkg Rihanna is a poor role model for herself, family and possibly her kids in the future. This stor will be forever on the internet or whatever media sources her children will find and want to know about their parents and should the come across this it sends a horrible message that being beat as bad as she was is ok, because Chris said he was sorry.

Chris Brown is a scumbag, the pictures of Rihanna says it all. Rihanna is an idiot if she takes him back. She should press charges and send his ass to jail.

Choosing to be in the spotlight as a Performer, being a role model is just a side job Rihanna is forced to hold whether she likes it or not. For her to go back to Chris Brown, is a slap in the face for all the young girls and boys who admire and look up to her. She is not setting a good example for youth nor is she living up to standards that people have worked so hard to fight for the last decade. Domestic Abuse is not a grey issue. It's black or white and it's obvious Rihanna AND Chris Brown need a reality check.

She is leaving a very dangerous example for our young girls. Like it or not, she may not have "choose" this to happen to her but she is "choosing" to go back. It is just a matter of time before he attacks her again and the next time, he will be smarter about it, no bruising on the face or busted up lips to give it away.

I have two young girls and I dread the day I will have to deal with this kind of behavior from some young man my daughters may run into and date. This kind of abuser starts off as a real charmer and then quickly spirals down once he thinks he has control. It's when the control slips and then there is trouble.

I pray my girls are smart enough, have enough instinct, and lucky enough not to have to deal with this in their life time.

She deserves whatever comes her way now. Come on he beat her, bit her and choked her. This was a warning and she chose to ignore it.

If Rihanna is truly reconciling with Brown, she deserves everything she gets from him. Maybe next time he'll choke her for good! I have zero sympathy for her – she's as bad as he is!

it was my fault...I get beat up often, and I go back to man all the time, So blame me, not Rihanna.

Personally, I'm disapointed both of them, but more so in her. To go back to the man who beat her sends a loud message to every woman in a violent relationship that its just too hard to walk away. I'm reminded of the ironic phrase "the beatings will continue until morale improves"

Agree 100%. There is no going back with someone who physically beats you even one time.

Well, I believe that Chris Brown was no different than any other
hip hop male. The reason is that Chris has money yet he is exposed to the other males that berate women in videos and use foul language. Therefore, he is still a product of his culture.

I do not think she is a role model. This is just showing that its okay for your spouse to abuse you. I believe in forgiveness, and she can forgive but why go back, it will happen again. I have never understood why people go back to this kind of relationship.

Yes it is terribly sad to see both of them, so young, talented and wealthy and living out their dreams. But honey, I am umemployed and could care less.

I feel that rihanna should be ashamed for herself.....For being as beautiful and talented as she is, she is putting a setbaack on herself...no one will ever look at her the same let alone even consider her a a romodel....i think its sad sorry ans pathetic....how do you live with yourself???? A man will necer change and if he was already violent prior to that night its only goanna get worse....its bobby and whitney all over again,,,,,

How any person can willingly stay with someone that beats on them ,especially in this case is just plain insane. Are you that dependent on a spouse / partner that beats on you that you stay and take it. Just plain stupid. In this case to willingly go back , wake up, next time you may end up 6 feet under.

It is a horrible example for women everywhere. You usually hear people stay in abusive relationships because of financial issues or self esteem issues. Neither is apparent here. Next time he beats her, and there will be a next time, she will garner much less public sympathy.

I cannot afford to be ambivalent, becuase I asked my seventeen year old daughter how she felt about the incident, and her response left me bewildered. Apparently the teen crowd, had discussed the issues,and the conclusion they drew, was that Rihanna was obviously at fault. Why else would she take him back? Rihanna may not want to be a role model, but to her fan base she is something, many young girls aspire to be just like. Frightening! Needless to say, as a mom whom only wants the best for her daughter, we had a much needed frank discussion on domestic violence. Her decision is bad on so many levels, but the true outcome remains to be seen......

I have been in Rihanna shoes...taken back a boyfriend who hit me on 3 occasions, the last requiring a trip to the ER for staples. So I wish the media would step back and let her breath. I was young, 19 & in love though he promised to never do that again (after the 3rd time). We did get back together for a few months, but it didn't last. I wonder now, at 31, did I leave him it because I feared (deep down) he "would" do it again or did I take him back because of "battered woman's syndrome". Honestly, I don't know but I did have support from my family/friends whatever decision I made was "mine" though their concerns were greatly voiced. Everyone and their opinions on her, need to stop, she has to deal with this every second of every moment of everyday. If she does or does not decide to take him back, it's her decision not the media's, not her parents, not her friends, not her fans, nor Chris Browns...it's her. One she will live with...good or bad.

Yes, she is setting a bad example for young people. I had to sit my daughter down and discuss this situation with her and let her know how bad it is, even my five year old wanted to voice her opinion. So yes they are watching and listening. I have a cousin who is doing the same cycle with her boyfriend and I am to the point that I say, " whatever happens now you deserve because every time you take him back after he beats on you, you let him know it's OK." This is how I truly feel. No more feeling sorry for anyone who allows this to happen to them.

This entire situation is ridiculus. First, Chris Brown should be shot for beating a woman. Under no circumstances should a grown man put his hands on a female. Chris Brown is trash and whatever he has accomplished is now tainted by his character. Second, as much as I feel for Rihanna and do not ever wish these types of things to happen to someone, she is a fool for going back to him. I know, I know, your special and you will be the one to save him. Sorry, but that is not how it works in the real world. If he has beat you once he will beat you again and the next one will almost assuredly be worse than the first.

My prayers are with you Rihanna the only one who can change your situation is you.

All the money and beauty that Rihanna has, and still she does not have the self esteem to walk away from an abuser. This is a loud and clear message to parents that we need to work harder at establishing strong self morals and values in our girls. I have struggled for 2 days now to answer my 10 year olds sons question of why mom? Why would she be friends with him? It makes no sense to him at all, but unfortunately impressionable young girls will see this as a clear message that if you "love" a boy he can hit you. I hope that Chris gets help, if he doesn't Rihanna may become an example of how relationship violence can end in death.

How can she be possibly considered a role model if she takes him back? From what I've been reading about the situation, its not the first time he has gotten physical with her.

I do not think that either one of them should have been considered role models. These young people are trying to live as adults and they have no clue. We place the burden on celebrities to be role models to our kids and it's just wrong. Even if they had a "supposedly" perfect relationship...it's still was not role model material. We do not want our children entering in these serious type relationships at their tender ages. Rihanna and Chris Brown's relationship was never role model material. It just looked good to the public...two successful young attractive children...playing grown up.

It is not fair that she should have to bear the burden of all abused women and it's not fair that he should have to bear the burden of a manchild that came from a home where abuse took place...so now "poor me" I've learned the same insane behavior.

I've said it so many times since the story broke...it's not my business, I was not there, we will never know the whole truth and people...stop getting caught up in the hype!

As a victim of violence at a young age (I was 19 and so was he), I wish Rhianna would reconsider taking him back. My abuser slowly hurt me more and more over a SHORT period of time. It started with an arm squeeze, which led to an arm twist behind my back, which led to kicking me in the ass, which led to pushing me to the ground and chasing me if I tried to get away. Unfortunately for him, I had a sister who happened to witness his last attack that took place in my mother's backyard one late night. She heard voices, looked out the window, saw him push me to the ground and then hold me down with his foot against my shoulder blade. She ran out, knocked him out with one punch to the head. I never looked back. However, I regret ever contacting authorities because he has been in and out of jail and prison for abuse. The last time was against his pregnant gilfriend. What Rhianna SHOULD do is easy. What she has chosen to do may cause more pain, real pain, and possibly her life.

Shes disrespecting herself for getting back with someone who did that to her.

I've been very surprised to not hear this mentioned yet. Like it or not, Rihanna is a role model for many young girls. One would hope that she would take this into account before making that awful decision to take back her abuser. Well, really, one would hope that she wouldn't take him back simply because he IS her abuser.

But that's not the way domestic violence works. Sadly, many women take back their abusers time and time again, even when they know they are setting a bad example for their own children, let alone other people's children. Hopefully she will wake up and realize what type of "man" she is accepting into her life before too many more beatings occur.

She should not be considered a role model if she is going back to him!

I agree that on the one hand it really isn't our business but then I also realize that they chose to put themselves out there in the public eye.

I do agree with you that I feel bad for her and that she shouldn't have to bare the label of "domestic violence victim" forever. However, I am very saddened that she would decide to go back to someone that has not only beaten the you-know-what out of her but also said he was going to kill her.

It is very hard for me to believe that any abuser (male or female) will ever really change. They may really want to change but I think they end up getting worse with age. I hope for her sake that Rihanna gets out now before he does kill her!

I have so many mixed feelings on this issue. On one hand, it is none of our business, on another I'm a mom of 2 young girls, on another I'm a wife & partner and know how complicated relationships are, on another I'm a trained social worker who has worked with abused/battered women.

15 minutes ago I was in the car listening to the radio when Rihanna's song about kicking out the cheating boyfriend came on. I started imagining how emotional a song about leaving an abusive relationship would be. There are 'anthems' for this, but often by people who were not survivors themselves (Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Dixie Chicks)...what a great message this would send.

According to statistics women of color are more likely to find themselves in an abusive relationship & are less likely to leave. I juxtapose this fact with how many of the teenage girls (and boys) are characterizing this...blaming Rihanna, saying 'he not like that', etc. Even my very bright, well-adjusted teenage babysitter's comments floored me.

My heart goes out to Rihanna, but there are few times in this world where we have a true chance to make a difference, as a young woman of color, her actions will speak very loudly to this impressionable young generation. I'm willing all my energy toward her to step away, wish Mr. Brown well during his recovery, and move on with her head held high!

Jennifer. West Orange, NJ

If indeed the aligations are true and Rihanna and Chris are back together then both of them are setting a terrible example for all young people.

They can both be role models, if they so choose. They BOTH need counseling; admit what happened and why it happened. For CB, he was predisposed due to the domestic violence he either endured or witnessed. My guess is that R had some sort of abusive past or one of her parents did. In any event, they can get the proper counseling and rise above this, save their careers and possibly save the lives of other domestic violence abusers and victims by speaking out. Domestic violence doesn't make you a bad person.

Absolutely, she chose to become an entertainer and in doing so chose to have her life publicly viewed, criticized as well as praised. As a parent of a teenaged daughter, I have made a point of drilling into my daughter's head from the age of 2 that NO ONE should be striking her or intimidating her in any way. The fact that the "alleged abuser" is another well known entertainer with fan base in excess of 98% female makes this situation 98 times worse. There are millions of young girls that will or would have traded places with R, as C's girlfriend in a heartbeat. What we parents need to teach our children is to look at the potential mates character not their external beauty!

Yes, I'm afraid Rhianna is a role model. This was the bi-product of her becoming successful among young age groups. However, in this case, she is modeling the complicated and yes "dangerous" behavior that many abused women demonstrate. Due to this, I think your point about moms (and dads) is well taken about informing our children about Rhianna's dangerous choice.
Perhaps what is most important these days is not whether or not one is a role model, but just what they are modeling and our role as parents to explore it with our kids.

I was just having this same discussion with a co-worker of mine. I am not a parent but a woman in her early 30s. I had an older sister who was abused by her boyfriend and I couldn't understand why she always went back. I still don't understand. Yes, Rihanna should have the same rights as other woman when it comes to making choices concerning her life. However by making the choice to become a celebrity she also chose to be admired and looked up to by young fans. I feel that by being as exposed as she is, her graphic abuse story being so public she is setting a poor example by going back to this troubled young man. To me it is showing the younger females that it is ok to be abused by the hands of a man who claims to love you. She made the choice to be in the spot light and she needs to consider the message she is sending to her fans.

Even though this is none of our business, Rihanna IS a role model for young girls and should act accordingly. She choose to be in the public eye as a singer, so she bears some responsibility in sending the proper message to young teens and adults. By brushing this off, she is sending a terrible message. It is disappointing to say the least.

This is horrible. He's a thug and should be in jail but in all honesty I'm more disappointed in her. I can't relate, and never could, to what she's going through but any sympathy I had for her is out the window. If she gets beat up again (or worse) how can you feel bad for her? I know that sounds terrible but I can't help it. Like it or not, she IS a role model to countless young women, including my daughter, and she has a responsibility to help get him prosecuted, not take him back.

I felt sorry for her when this happened. I now hear she has taken him back. When it happens again, she won't have my sympathy again. Very bad example for all the abused women out there.

I definately feel that parents need to sit down with their sons and daughters and let them know that its never okay to abuse other people or be the victim of abuse. I was really upset that Rihanna decided to go back to Chris Brown not just because of the message it sends to our kids but I fear for her safety. I know from seeing my mother endure violence from my father that it gets worse not better. He came pretty close to killing her more than once. I pray whole hearted that Rihanna will get out of this relationship while she can and that Chris will get some help.

i can understand why a poor, uneducated woman with babies and no job or family would think that she has no choice but to stay in an abusive relationship, but this chick does not have that problem. she is in denial, sad. I always told my husband if he ever lays a hand on me, then he has a big problem, because he has to sleep sometime, and he wouldnt wake up the same!!!

Knowing from experience. Sometimes you feel like you can;t get out. Also if you believe and trust them usually you'll stay. Also if your afraid of being alone it will cause you to stay.

She is a performer. That is all. Parents should be their children's role model. Remind the children that fame, fortune and beauty does not make a person happy and definately does not make them perfect. Have respect for yourself and never let anyone treat you they way this young man treated his girlfriend, Rihanna. She obviously has low self esteem. Celebrity does not exempt anyone from pain and hardship, feel for her as anyone else under such pressure.

Lastly, EVERYONE is equal. Do not look down on someone because you don't understand them and do not LOOK UP to anyone that you don't know personally. They are performers for your entertainment. YOUR entertainment.

Chris Brown should be punished for his actions, there is wrong and there is right, I hope the law gives him what he deserves. As for Rihanna, well she should take reponsability for what has happened to her. I agree she was put unwillingly into the whole thing of “Battered Woman”, but want it or not she is a public figure, and her fame and money just like any other job comes with reponsibilty... she should at least try to justify the reason why she took that guy back!!

I agree with everything you said except that Chris Brown is not a vicious thug, he's a young adult who needs guidance and counseling. Will he do it again? Who knows, because no one knew he would do it this time.
Rhianna has made a choice that so many abused people make, and that is to HOPE that he changes and HOPE that he doesn't do it again. Good luck to her and him.

As a father of a 17 year old I feel Rihanna has let every woman down by getting back with woman beater BROWN.Domestic violence has suffered a tremendous blow . It tells the young women that its okay to go back,he will change just give him a chance.Next time it will be much worse

Rihanna is a bad role model for young girls out there. Letting a man put his hands on you and then kissing and making up is not the message she should be sending!!! I wont be listening or buying anything that has to do with Chris Brown or Rihanna.

I know of many radio stations that have quit playing Chris Brown's music, as well as his sponsors dropping his commercials. I have to say that while I understand that Rhianna is the victim, shame on her. She is totally aware that she is in the public eye and regardless of whether or not she wants to, she is setting an example of thousands of fans everywhere. She is teaching young girls that it is ok to be in an abusive relationship, and she is teaching young boys that it is ok to put your hands on a female if you are willing to apologize. I no longer feel sorry for her, and whatever happens to her in the future (violence in a relationship like this does not just stop) is her own fault and she deserves no one's sympathy or compassion.

You know its funny you wrote an article about this because I was just talking with my 10 year old daughter last night regarding Rhianna and Chris Brown. She was watching excerpts about the story and said mom "shes pretty and talented but really stupid " and I said to her and thought to myself , what a great job we have done with you. You know its a shame that she is looked at as a role model especially now when young girls see she is willing to take him back. Under no circumstances should a man ever touch a women and I believe it works both ways. He has serious issues and obviously so does she. She is the victim in this situation and I feel terrible that she went through that ordeal but obviously she does not find it unforgivable. what a shame. This would have been the perfect opportunity for a beautiful young lady like herself to use this unfortunate negative publicity to bring awareness to domestic abuse(albeit they are not married) What a Shame!

I am genuinely sad about what transpired between the two, as I am a fan of their music. I always thought of Chris as the boy next door. He had such a squeaky clean image. Anyway, I feel that it is not our place to judge her or the decision she made. We were not there, nor do we know if this has happened before. Nor do we know if it will happen again. We all have our own lives to live, and we all must live with the consequences of our actions. My son loves music, but he happens to be a fan of T.I. and Lil Wayne. Neither of them have squeaky clean images, but I do not worry that my son will follow in their footsteps (at least not the negative ones). He is a straight A student, never gets in trouble at school, and he says he wants to be like his dad. People should explain to their kids that entertainers are people too, who happen to make mistakes, just like all of us. Instead, they should focus on being role models to their kids, and let the celebrities worry about their own lives. If kids look to celebrities as role models, then their parents only have themselves to blame.

She didn't choose to have this happen to her and for that she got our sympathy, compassion, thoughts and prayers. She does get to choose what happens from here and for that she must live with the consequences. Bless her heart, she loves the man and she is torn. She has no idea that he could very well one day murder her. She is currently in the honeymoon phase their cycle of violence and on a relationship level, things couldn't be better. She is being treated like a queen, until she's not and it starts all over again. She just doesn't know. I only pray she's not dead before she can figure it out. She is free to make whatever choice she wants. I am free to not support it, by boycotting her music, her television apprearances,products she endorses and certainly passing these values on to the little girls in my life. I think it is the responsiblity of every woman and man who wants to prevent domestic violence to do the same until Rihanna gets help. She has already told the world she believes this man is worth her last breath by returning to him. Her career is a relatively small price to pay by comparison so we shouldn't feel badly about it. They both need serious help and I wish them well.

I am really tired of hearing about this. The media is continuing to make a spectacle out of what allegedly happened between these two KIDS.. Rhianna IS NOT A ROLE MODEL...she is an entertainer. Kids that look up to and emulate entertainers are missing something in their home lives and their parents should step it up! No one knows the mind or heart of these two and people should stop trying to speculate. I wish them both the best.

I believe that these 2 people are both talented in what they do. But its like the old saying goes, "Once a cheater, always a cheater" so don't you think that if he did this much damage over a "text message" what's next. I am an African American woman and I am shocked that Rhianna would even speak to someone after he made her look like she did. When I actually read what happened in the vehicle how he continuously beat her while driving I was shocked, apparently the pictures we saw all over the web were well after she began healing. He is crazy and needs a lot of help. This love is young and it to will pass. Get out and away while you can not because you are trying to be a good role model, but because unfortunately it will probably happen again.

As the mother of teenage son I have this to say. I do not agree with any man ever hitting any woman for any reason. However, this is between Chris and Rhianna. It's their business only. Also, why should she be a domestic abuse poster child? Because the same folks who expect her to be a role model for their kids thinks so. Why do folks think celebrities should be role models for other peoples kids??? This a lot of responsibility to put on one person. Be a role model for your own child and expect no one else to do that job.

I wish people would stop worshipping Hollywood celebrities and look elsewhere for their role models. Celebrities are mostly living shallow lives that are so disconnected with mainstream America that they can't possibly be entrusted as role models.

We should remember that Rihanna is the VICTIM here. Give her time to deal w/ this tough situation & figure things out for herself.

I couldnt agree more. She is definitely not a role model any longer.

Of course she should feel that burden, it's a part of the job/life she chose to have. I am a teacher. That means that if I get a DUI, I get fired. If I have a scandalous picture taken of me in college and it is released 10 years down the road, I am fired. Why? Because I am a role model. Along with the low pay, that was a choice I made when I decided to be an educator. Similarly, she should realize that because of her job, she is a role model and should behave accordingly. But more than that, come on! I know that it is her personal life, but the police report was BRUTAL. You may convince yourself he loves you, and maybe he does, but you CANNOT accept that treatment. Being a teacher, I have seen the repercussions already. One 14 year old girl told me that Rihanna probably deserved it and that's why she is "back with him".

There is no way I consider this stupid person a role-model, a role-model for what women should not subject themselves to is the only type of person I can see. If my daughter was treated like trash the way she was, and then went back to the trash collector I would seriously consider if she had her brain knocked loose. I would tell my daughter this is the type of women you never want to turn yourself into – never never let a man put his hands on you and never forgive him for it. Fool is all that comes to mind when I think of her. She and her abusier should never make another dime off off of their wasted talent.

Not a dad, but I would be sick if my daughter thought taking a boyfriend like that back.

In fact I'm sick anyone takes someone like that back.

I feel very sorry for her.

I do not think she is a role model and I think she is playing with fire. I hope she can walk away the next time.

I think the young lady is misguided and doesn't have a clue what true love is about. I feel deep pity for her. As for Mr. Brown, I think he is a coward. Sure, he deserves a chance to redeem himself, but there's only one way to do that, and that's to never raise his hand to a woman again. Real men just don't do it, ever.

Myself as a man, father and human being is totally against a man touching a woman that way! When you become famous in the limelight especially where young people are affected by you, you have a moral obligation to enrich lives and set examples. Surely our government isn't doing so! Chris Brown should be held accountable and ashamed that it's more important to him to have a good time at "Diddy's" house (which he feels that what Chris Brown did was alright) than immediately go for counseling and make ammends by coming out in public showing remorse. I'm old school and men are put in prison for alot less. I stick him in a room at a womens prison with 20 of the meanest ladies around. Let's see a mug shot afterwards! Justice!

This is so sad on many levels. A beautiful, talented woman who's self-esteem is so low that she will go back to a guy who beat the crap out of her and thrreatened to kill her. And somewhere in her mind she is telling herself that he loves her. Billboard sign to Rihanna... people who love you DON'T BEAT YOU UP. If she goes back to him, mark my words, we will be reading about this again! This is not ... I got angry so I grabbed you and shook you... (which is equally as unacceptable)... He beat the crap out of her and it probably would have been worse if she hadn't been screaming for help.

RIHANNA... HE WON'T CHANGE. And by taking him back you just told him that it is perfectly all right for him to beat you up.... in his mind, what obviously little respect he had for you is even less now. The best thing for you is if he goes to jail... it will give you time and distance to see this situation for what it is.

There are no second chances for someone hits you!

I am totally against any form of abuse by any man on any woman. What Chris Brown is inexcuseable. What Rihanna did is even more foolish and really setting a bad example. Unfortunately, whether they like it or not they are both role models – once in the public spotlight to that extent.

I've told my two young daughters that under no circumstances is a boyfriend or boy to hit them. Not at all, and if hit by a boyfriend then they have to leave.

I am tired of men beating up on women. I grew up seeing my dad do that to my mom and to this day I consider such men cowards.
Chris Brown is a coward and I hope he gets thrown in jail.

Generally people will just loose respect for her. Of course there will be a few young ppl that when faced with the same situation will do the same thing she did ( which her situation is extremely common) and then when questioned will just use her as the scapegoat. Sadly, she has to carry the burdeon of being an example, but she knows very well she has that responsiblity.

She is a fool if she goes back to him. What happened is in no way love.

Role model? uhm, NO WAY!

Well, i guess she doesn't know what she's putting herself into. Someone that abused you like that might even do more than that or kill her.

I think that Chris Brown should serve jail time for what he did to Rihanna. He literally tried to kill her and jail time should be his punishment for attempted murder. He needs to be made to think twice about doing something like this again.

Sickening. Fool her once, shame on him- fool her twice, no one to blame but herself.

I'm not a parent, but I do think she is setting a terrible example for today's youth. Sure she isn't political, but she did choose to work in a profession where those successful are inevitably a role model, whether they like it or not. My suggestion would be she take the Tina Turner high road and show young girls and boys alike that this is unacceptable.

Ambivalent? Under what circumstances is this acceptable behavior?
He should go to jail, She should seek help .

sorry..Rihanna made a very bad CHOICE.

I was taken back by the news that she doesn't want a restraining order against him too. It doesn't matter once an abuser always an abuser and research would suggest that every consecutive time the abuser goes a little farther. So I believe she is setting a horrible example for not only younger kids, but she is also giving him a message that it was ok. There is never an excuse to physically hurt another individual and this is the wrong message for our children.

I am deeply, deeply distraught over Rihanna and the example she is setting for youth, not only females WW. This subject has now been brought-up in classrooms across the country and yes, setting back years to the battered adults movement.

It is not right to hit. And it is not right to galavant on your jetski a couple of weeks later while claiming to be a changed man. Where was the publicist in all of this? that person(s) should be fired as this ridiculous getting back together ordeal could have been handled much better had that person taken into consideration their clients' role as role models to today's children.

A real role model wouldn't go back to an abusing boyfriend. Now all the young girls will think it is ok to be beaten by someone they love and to not press charges.

Terrible role model – this young lady has the means to be her own women, yet will not relinquish control from this thug.

I feel sorry for her [a] being put in this situtation, but more so, [b] she doesnt have the sense or fortitude to drop this thug like a stone.

I believe that rihanna is makinbg a horrible choice in takeing him back. You never know if something like this will happen again. I know that he said that he will change but heck alot of people promise that they will change and dont, so i just hope that she will realize the things that could and could not happen. She has a good career going for her and she is and amazing person with amazing qualities and dosen't deserve to get trampled over

Rihanna should be assamed of herself. She has all these young female fans and what is she telling them by her actions? It's OK for women to stay in abusive relationships. How many women could she have helped save? We'll never know. Rihanna, when your song plays on the radio...I WILL change the station. Shame on you.

Judi Miller
Plainville, MA

What I want to know is why we're looking so closely at Rihanna rather than Chris. I haven't been following the court case but what kind of rehabilitation is he doing? Or will he do any at all? It's easy to put blame on the woman for going back to her abuser, but what is the public really doing when it comes to him?

Young women should use this as an example of what not to do. Pay attention and watch this situation play out.

I agree with you Anderson that she is setting back all the battered women before her worked so hard to achieve. I understand wanting to think someone will change – but leopards rarely change their spots. I feel bad for her on a number of levels and I pray she makes the right decision before she is hurt again.

Hello,
I have two Daughters age 8 and 10yrs old,I said to my girls,Dont let anybody hurt you physically,the minute he raises his hand to hurt you,he should be out of your lives.People give excuses they love you,person who loves you doesn't hurt.
In my opinion,Rihanna should stand up stong,say nobody is going to abuse me.Its the end of relationship.
Thank you
swagatha

This lady's influence is most powerful with her fans and not the general public. Even though this is a national story it's the ones that admire her most that will rationalize this unacceptable behovior, both hers and his. This kind of choice is long lasting for many people beyond this couple, hopefully her decision to help him out of this mess is temporary, either way it's bad news for her and his other partners.

And let's not forget Chris Brown –

He is messed up and is asking for forgiveness. Do we ignore his rage and continue to purchase his records and go to his concert and act like nothing happened?

I won't.

The day the abused brakes free from the abuser, is the very day they will come and speak out against domestic violence...

Why would any one consider her a role model? That's seriously warped.

I see this everyday at school. Girls think that this is the way men treat women, and they, boys and girls, take pride in the thugish abuse. Now, it is being reinforced by a celeb.

Unfortunately, Love is blind.

I have talked to my daughter about Rhianna and Chris Brown. She brought it up. I told her in ...girls and women should never be treated this way. It is not OK for anyone to hit another person.

Rihanna is, unfortunately, probably following in the steps of her role models. I'd hate to think that she'll go through 20 years with the worng guy before she understands. I had hoped to see her file a civil suit against Chris Brown.

Absolutely not! She is no role model, any woman who lets a man beat her up and go back to him is an idiot! You have to be strong and have some sense to be a role model, that would of never happened to me, one kick and he is down.

If only kids will realize that the true role models in their lives is no one outside the vicinity of their friends and family.

I'm not a mom but I completely agree. I have a cousin who is in an abusive relationship and she won't leave. She thinks its romantic that Rihanna is "standing by her man".....it just makes me sad.

Should Rihanna feel the burden of millions of young girls (and boys!) potentially taking relationship cues from this whole ugly mess? Will they?

1) Yes she should
2) They might

Rihanna should not take Chris Brown back. It's a big mistake. Chris will not change and sooner or later he will beat her up again. I pray for her!

It's all very sad. It's a revolving issue that cannot be resolved without years of counseling and rehabilitation. I wish them both the best in finding themselves. But this is best done apart.

There is obviously much more to this that we, the public, do not know.

Hope she comes to her senses. Hope he can be a better man- for somebody else.

I wish the media stop trying to label these entertainers as role models. This girl is only 21 she doesn't he even know what true responsibilities to herself is. This situation is horrific for women and it is sad that they cannot walk away from danger that is masked behind love. I hope the best for her, and I hope he goes to jail.

No, Rhianna is not a role model. Why do people think that celebreties are role models? They make mistakes just any other normal person. I think parents should be role models, and stop with all of this fantasy thinking.

I'm a mother of a young daughter and I find myself very upset and saddend by Rihanna's mentality. I pray everyday that I'm instilling into my daughter to love and value herself.

Rihanna seems to be a lovely young woman, but we are not to look to people in entertainment as role models. I hope she has people in her life that truly love her, who will guide her through this ordeal, and get her the help that she too evidently needs.

Every couple is bound to fight every now and again. Love means never having to say you're sorry.

If she does in fact go back to him, both of their careers should be over. I don't know how anyone could support their actions by purchasing their music. Of course, based on statistics, I guess there is the chance that he will end it for her.

What a sad way for their 15 minutes of fame to end!

I think if Rhianna stays with Chris Brown it could show others that may encounter a domestic violence situation to stay with or go back to their abusers. From personal experience, this is the WRONG message. Rhianna has a choice to be a role model. She needs to walk away and never look back at Chris Brown. What he did is wrong, inexcusable, and unforgivable.

Rihanna has lost my respect but more importantly, she clearly does not respect herself. She must think of herself as trash to allow herself to be treated as such. I hope her label & fans drop her.

Also, it annoys me to no end that people are defending Chris Brown in this incident. As the court documents show, it was an absolutely malicious attack that could conceivably have even ended in Rihanna's death.

Yes, he said sorry. But sorry is something you say and are forgiven for if you accidentally stepped on someone's toes or dropped someone else's property on the floor. Not for beating someone until they feared for their life.

I used to be a Chris Brown fan. Now I hope he gets punished for this (100000000 hours of community service or something, since that actually contributes something to society and jail time is a waste of my tax money).

Someone should tell Rihanna about Nicole Brown Simpson!

I think that by her taking him back she is going to show the world that her opionon doeesnt matter. As a young super star you have to realize that is the life style YOU CHOSE! you love to sing and preform awesome now you have a million young girls copyin every single thing you do. Its hard enough for young girls to stay"thin enough" have a pretty face, perfect hair now we have to go back to, what the man says the woman should do... rhianna taking chris back in the public eye like this is showing the world that we really HAVE NOT matured as much as we think we have since the 40-70's where it was ok to hit your spouse... well its not... and young girls do look up to her and her taking him back is just a DIASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN... just LIKE THEIR RELATIONSHIP!!!

if you choose the limelight, you choose the public interest, and you should be responsible enough to make smart decision, esp when your fans are young impressionable girls. The extent of the violence in this incident screams several things, one being, this was by NO means the first time he'd abused her. NO WAY. If she wants to act like an uneducated victim and continue this sick game, she doesn't deserve the limelight. He needs jailtime, she needs to grow some brain cells.

These kids need a lot of prayer, guidance and help. Not just Chris but Rhianna as well.

It is definitely up to the parent to be a role model; however, Rihanna's actions will have heavy impact, forcing the parent to work even harder at dispelling her actions. Would love to hear a comment or two from Rihanna's mom. Mrs. Fenty, please speak out!

There is no excuse for what he did and there is no reason in the world for her to put up with it by sticking around. The first time she may be a victim but if she sticks around she is a willing volunteer. When a man beats a woman, it's one stike and you're out. The same for the reverse!

Stop blaming the victim. Many women of domestic violence go back out of fear. Lets see...he threatened to kill her! Its not always about the physical abuse. The mental aspects are far stronger and harder to break away from in this type of relationship.

I hated hearing about her getting beat up but I hated even more that she is wanting to take him back. I'm so tired of hearing about his 'friends' saying she did something to deserve this. No woman deserves to be beat like this regardless of what she may have said or done. It takes a 'real big man' to beat up a woman! NOT! She is basically saying to others that it is ok to accept this type of behavior because she probably did do something to deserve it.. How backwards is this thinking?! I guess if she decides to stay with him she should count on it happening again because chances are it will and unfortunately she could lose her life. Would she deserve that too....

By living her dreams by becoming an entertainer she has inevitably become a role model, whether she wants to be or not. Most kids will ask why she would want to go back to that type of environment. The weaker minded kids may subconciously emulate these actions thinking they are the norm.

This is sad for everyone. For they both set a role model for girls and boys in relationship. I hope they both get the kind of counseling that will help them heal. She from feeling so bad about herself that she takes that kind of abuse. He for feeling so bad about himself that he would hand out that kind of abuse. He is using anger to get what he wants. She is lying to herself to get what she thinks she wants. Sad.

They both need to step back from the relationship . It sounds to me that thier both with the wrong person. They both need to face the fact that they need to move on, get the help they need to get over this and find real love in thier lives this is not real love it's dumb lust and that is never going to work. So Move On, and hopefully thier careers can recover but by staying together they will both end up losers. ie Whitney Houston and what ever his name is.

No man or woman should have to suffer this torment. I fear for her, Remember Nicole Simson....

I don't think she is a role model after her decision to take back her Abuser/Boyfriend
She should take a look at that picture of hers if she doesn't remember what happened to her and ask herself if she should really be with him.

I'm so glad someone finally decided to speak up about this. My feelings exactly! Thank you.

it's not entirely accurate to say that we "don't really know what happened." we have a sworn police statement relating to the incident. it may not contain every minutiae of what went down that night, but it paints a fairly complete picture. no matter what she said or did in the minutes preceeding the attack, there is no excuse for his brutality. if she wants to sell her music to young women and teenaged girls, then, yes, she is a role model, whether she likes it or not.

I can't even begin to express how disappointed I am in her. I like her music and songs but after this horrible choice and all loss of self respect I cannot support her EVER again...
I had to sit down with my best friend's 10 year old daughter and let her know...you see Rihanna? NEVER be as weak as that....

Sickening....this wasn't a little shove they can work on this was an all out beat down....almost left her unconscious she could've died...
Unbelievable

They will find her dead body one day and everyone will say. OH HOW TERRIBLE...noone saw this coming blah blah blah

They are entertainers. Theyre just talented not unhuman. The public and society is who makes them role models. In addition, Browns actions were inexcusable but there is an important, unconventional lesson to be learned. This was started because she went through a grown mans belongings. When you look for stuff, you find it. If she doesnt go through his phone, were not talking about this story.

Role model? If she goes back to this abusive man, then no chance. If she picks herself up and moves on to someone who respects other, then yes.

Thre are too many men out there to be with one who hits you – even if it was just the once. Especially if you are RIHANNA. One day she will loko back at this time and wonder what she was thinking.

Unfortunately, a price of fame is public scrutiny. She is, without choice, and yet, undeserving, a role model. She should not feel pressure from the public to leave Chris Brown. She should do it for her own dignity.

I don't think she displays a role model attitude about this at all.

1) She's a victim, yet the newspapers named her as a victim. Was it assumed? Yes, and I know that she's a celebrity so her privacy is naturally limited. However, what is this telling OTHER young victims? If you come out, everyone will know. I find it hard to beleive that domestic abusers cannot be named in court if their spouse is the victim (automatically naming the victim), but no one seems to care about this with Rihanna.

2) She takes him back: yes people get tied up over this for a good reason. He beat her bloody. I don't care what the back story is. I don't care who prompted who. The end of it is this: he beat her. That's inexcusable and she's displaying victim-like symptoms. That's PROMOTING this to girls who are going through this.

Now, i will say, that this is bringing domestic abuse back into the limelight, and that's excellent. People, especially teenagers and young adults, need to realize the importance this has on lives. It shouldn't be allowed in any manner or circumstance!

i have seen it in my own life more then one they dont change i wish they could but i have never seen it for her self she need to leave next time she may not get so lucky!!

I am very bothered by the fact that neither one of them have addressed the public other than a simple apology from Chris Brown. They are both role models to young people and have since gotten back together ..which leaves me only to question how much of a role model they are. By not addressing the issue to the public who have expressed concern makes me think that this a norm for their relationship..which is the role I don't want my children looking up to.

I would like to ask the contributor simple question?Do she go to church on sundays? Does she read a bible? Does she consider herself a real conservative? so what is wrong to forgive a sinner? Amy God is not like you. Forgive your brother and I will forgive you.

"if you choose the limelight, you choose the public interest"

EXACTLY! Responsibility to the world not just yourself... Unfortunately, she doesn't seem to be taking the responsibility even for herself. I know she is a human with the potential to make mistakes but I can't take that her current actions are putting her and all of the young ladies watching at so much risk. This is just one more form of irrational justification for them to use in staying with or going back to their abusers.

And don't mistake my comments for blaming her. He is 100% to blame for his actions. I just wish she was thinking straight.

Its is so sad. They are both young and talented and have thrown it away.

Rihanna, in my opinion, is the absolute most beautiful woman entertainer out there right now. Angelina Jolie move over...
I can't fathom how a woman with the power behind that kind of beauty and talent would let a man speak to her the way that Chris Brown did...or do any of the other horrible things he did to her.

These two are still young making mistakes. Just because she is doing something she loves, which is performing, shouldnt force her to always do what we think as "the right thing" when "normal" people do not.

We have to let these two work through their problems however they choose. Rather it be together or alone. She has her own family and her own problems to deal with.Why compound it with the "public opinion".

Rihanna: If he batters and beats you so severely in reaction to a simple call/text message, imagine the violence when you catch him WITH another woman. Respect yourself – dump this loser and move on with your life. You're a talented, brave, self-sufficient young woman. Maybe you do love him, but you have to love yourself MORE.
You deserve better.

Like it or not, she is a role model. Anyone who gets to be famous in this day and age has to take this as part of the job. She is setting a terrible example for young girls who want to be like her. But this is the age old story. She doesn't need money, so she can leave if she chooses to. This is about her own level of self-esteem. Somewhere inside her she blames herself or believes that she deserves this. This is an example of how you can only help people who make the choice to help themselves. I stayed with a man who was emotionally abusive for a long time when I was her age. Luckily for me, I have grown up and realized I would rather be alone than with someone who didn't treat me well. Maybe as she grows older she will realize that she is worthy, and deserves someone who will treat her respect and love.
The upside is that parents of teenage girls can use this a start up for the conversation about how they should be treated. They need to remind them to expect respect.

I don't believe it is Rihanna's responsibility to become the spokesperson for battered women. People fall in love and want to believe their partner can change, everyone has gone through that at one point or another. What matters is when you draw the line between giving someone time to "change" and what is healthy for you. Cleary, if someone hurts me, we're done, some people think they are not strong enough to walk away. It shouldn't be about whether or not we can live without someone because the truth is we can, whether or not we want to. The fact that Rihanna is taking him back is a poor decision, it was not her fault about what happened but now if anything happens in the future it will be. People do look up to her and this bad example she is setting. No one should ever stay with someone that physically OR mentally abuses them even if they say they will "change". That is just an excuse and no one can make another person change their actions, especially what was done in the past.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I thought no one in the media was going to start his dialogue so I'm just very grateful that you did – and posed some very important questions. As a mom I think it is especially important that we talk to our children about this incident and help them understand why this couple is unhealthy and that violent/abusive acts are never okay, deserved or an indication of love.

The people who consider her a role-model are the same ones who consider HIllary Clinton a "strong woman" after not-leaving her cheating husband (whom I voted for – please, this is not political, its just another high-profile example I didn't agree with).

Its almost as if there is a building force of (marketing?) the ideal of the subservient woman of the past as the new "strong woman".

The question is – what is holding her? Previous abuse? Something is wrong with both of em

Try Jesus– He will teach you to love Him and your neighbor as yourself, Acts 2:38

Are you kidding? She is NO role model...

This is all about money. The record producer has them convinced that the only way to revive both careers is to make up. And that may be true but it is a very sad thing. I will NEVER buy another of their CD's.

Sam Chala, I'd like to know what reading the bible, or going to church on Sundays has to do with (1) being considered a role model, and (2) being an abuse survivor?

How can all you people critic her? Who are you to judge somebody? Everyone who has been in abusive relationships know that they take the abuser back many times before they had enough or sometimes unfortunately lose their life but whatever the case may be she is human and has no responsibility to be a perfect role model for your child if all of us as human beings have been there and she is no exception!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you perfect????? This world isnt perfect.

I have been there...she should leave him while her dignity and life are still intact....

As both a mother and a high school teacher the biggest concern I have is that I have heard far too many conversations among girls that she must have done something to get him mad or well she must love him. As a society we should be worried that at this point in history girls are way too accepting of this behavior and are still defining themselves in terms of having the popular boyfriend.

You have to be kidding me she is no role model for taking him back.

She's headed for a cycle of ABUSE And then APOLOGY.

I won't speak on the major points but I will say when his songs come on the radio......I change the station.

Hello... These young entertainers are constanting singing about sex, violence and dysfunctional relationships – it sells. Apparently the buyers love it. Now we expect them to behave properly and make rational decisions.... get real. They both suffer from very low self esteem.

I feel bad for Rihanna because she is going through such a difficult time for her publicly. It is a very private matter. She is an adult and she has decided to go back to that monster. I am sure deep inside she understands what is going to happen. It always does. She has chosen her path. I have a small daughter, I hope and pray that nothing like that will ever happen to her...

Remember the video, where a tiny blond waitress was beaten by a tall heavy set man? That scene is no different then what happens when Dad beats up on Mom. Yes he uses fists and when people ask mom what's with the bruised on her cheeks and arm: she makes up an exuse that it was a fall.

Both Rihanna and Chris Brown come from households where domestic violence has occured. They grew up knowing only that relationships happens with fighting and abusive behavior. They have to work this out together with their family members and a family therapist, Seriously!

I am no mom yet, but I come from a cultural environment where this domestic violence is a hidden crime and culturally imbedded.

How dare she be allowed to actually reconcile with this man. It's not like she's a grown woman who could possibly decide how to live her life or anything. After all, we, the public, own her part and parcel.

I was so disappointed to hear she took him back, but not surprised. That is a well known part of the cycle of abuse. But no one seems to be mentioning P Diddy, or whatever he calls himself now. First he came out in the press saying he looks at her as a sister and then he sets up a meeting to do what? Get them back together? How sick. Young people today have more date rape, more explicit unhealthy sexual behavior and less and less self respect and other respect. Any celebrity has an obligation of being a role model to kids – obviously. They want the kids' money. They want the kids to buy their clothing lines, etc. They want to influence kids to admire them so they get rich. Parents do and can teach, but there is a point where kids are looking elsewhere. There is very little for them to look at that isn't self destructive. We are not moving forward because women are not respecting themselves and demanding that respect from men. And men like P Diddy who would set his "sister" up to possibly be killed are not men at all. They are all messed up.

Are white male abusers THUGS too?
Are hockey players THUGS?

Or is the word THUGS reserved for black men only?

I love all of you people who are so judgemental. Until you go through an abusive relationship, you cannot judge someone else. And hopefully you never will have to, nor any of your children.

so sad.
She must go thru the pain and come out much stronger.
there is no easy road out but there is a way out and she should take it.

His charm...in the toilet. His career...in the toilet. Her self-esteem, apparently, in the toilet. If she stays with him – pull the lever!

[...] title may seem a little dramatic, but this CNN piece echos my exact sentiments about this Rihanna/Chris Brown [...]

i'm wondering, though, is part of her reason to take him back to possibly "help" his career from doing a total crash and burn? think about it. if she stands by him and is adament that he is a wonderful man deep down, then wouldn't that be a way (totally pathetic way) of trying to make the public think the same of him? i'm really wondering if "her decision" was really not hers to begin with but was coerced and shown to her as the better way to try and help him salvage his career. please think of yourself, rihanna, because he's not thinking of you in the least.

As a parent I was happy to hear her father come forward early to communicate his support. but I was horrified when he came forward supporting her decision to continue relations with her abuser. She's an adult so clearly its her decision and not his but she clearly needs someone to stand up and help her to see that she is making a horrible decision and that this kind of thing is never ok, not even if it only happens one time. I'm scared for her, I'm concerned for the message others take from it and I'm worried when a family finds reason to believe this is something that can be looked past. So very sad.

While I believe that everyone has a right to keep their private life private, there are certain positions to which we put ourselves in life that blur the line between private and public information. Part of being a "star" is assuming the responsibility of being a "role model". Just as a parent is responsible for setting a good example for their children, a pastor for his church, a legislator for his district, a boss for his employee; equally a "star" is responsible for setting an example to his or her fans. That's part of the stardom contract. You can't eat cake without the calories, and you can't be famous without assuming all it's responsibilities. What are those? Fame and fortune can certainly be part of the package, but the other part, stars seem to struggle with most, is the constant limelight, blurred private and public lives, and most importantly the responsibility to set an example for their fans. That is a fact of life and something that has to be considered when making life altering choices. Let's hope that Rihanna has someone to set a good example for her and help her to make good choices from this point forward.

What is going on in this world where people choose to live vicariously through the celebs they follow on TMZ and other outlets. Rihanna is a grown woman who has the right to make her own decision just like the tens and hundreds of thousands of woman in her position each year. Like everyone except her and Mr. Brown, I don't know what went on that night the history leading up to that, so what seems black and white is not always. What happened to redemption people? Don't we bank on people changing for the better, or if not why do we let people in jail go back into society? Parents, teachers, and family are the one to blame if girls are getting the wrong message on domestic abuse, not one celebrity!

Ok... I read many of your comments, and I must say that many of you are very insensitive and judgmental. As a therapist, I have learned that when it comes to human behavior, A + B does not always equal C. We are too complex for that. So, when I read all the wonderful comments about who these kids are and who they will become, it is disturbing. Through treatment and guidance, they can change. Chris can eliminate this ugly behavior, and Rihanna can grow and never ever allow this to happen again.

As far as her being a role model, mentally or emotionally, she is not there now. It would be completely inauthentic for her to step into role she can't carry out. The woman needs TIME to detach herself and heal. It doesn't come over night. It comes in stages. Remember, she is human and she deserves the right to a private discovery without all the nonsense about her being or not being a role model. This is not SHOWTIME, this is real life.

And for the person who wrote this article: How INSENSITIVE! It is too soon to focus on this. Now, this woman is going to go through more attacks, to lower the little self esteem she may have at this time.

I know Rihanna is young, but there is is a cycle there already.
I have had my fair share of abuse, and I will say this: He says he is sorry, but i guarentee, HE WILL DO IT AGAIN !!!
I for one loved her music and downloaded some of her songs via Itunes.
If what I am hearing is true, I will not support her career any more.
She knows that in this day and age that abuse is not tolerated and there are are venue's where she can get help. As far as I am concerned, someone that is supposed to love a person, does not beat them black and blue and threaten to kill her.
I have never been a Chris Brown fan, and after hearing of his intolerable treatment of his partner, I KNOW FOR A FACT I WILL
NEVER BE A FAN !
As for Rihanna, I don't really think you know what you're doing, because this is definately going to effect your career. Young people don't want to follow your example, let alone Chris Brown's example.

I am beyond tired of hearing "he's just 19" from his supporters...if he had done this to someone on the street who ticked him off and was just a ordinary citizen, I wonder if their reactions would be the same. 19 is plenty old enough to know that hitting another person is not right.

Letoya, get a grip – he is a thug – thugs are people who beat up other people. Michael Phelps smoked some pot – hardly the same thing. It has nothing to do with him being black – in case you hadn't noticed – so is Rhianna!!!!!

She needs to back away and he needs to enter intensive counselling. And his friends need to be there for him WITHOUT making excuses for him – support him in overcoming but SAY IT LOUD that he was WRONG!!!

I think this is a question with areas of shaded gray. I think once you transition into the public eye, you are a role model, like it or not. Rhianna is no role model of mine, even before this whole situation, but to some young pre-teen or teenage girl she may be. Parents play a major role in defining what a role model should be, but kids like who they like. Our young people do find role models in main stream media. What Rhianna decides is her business. She owes no one an explanation, but being that her life is being lived out in the media for the whole world to watch the decisions she makes do have an influence and leaves her open for conversation, even criticism. This very conversation topic gives life to that.

To Carina in New York City I agree this world is not perfect, but the problem with things today is that we accept the fact that we aren't perfect and make excuses for not being perfect. We should strive for perfection in all aspects of our lives and speak up when things are wrong. It's called personal responsibility. There is a difference between judging someone and telling them they are making a mistake. In Rhianna's case, like you said, she isn't responsible for being a perfect role model, but she has a personal responsibility to herself and should strive for perfection in that case.

I think it should be manditory for any girl to take a Martial Arts class. Send his butt to the Army. He wants to fight, put him on the front line!

I agree that this young girl should not be held up to other young girls as an example. As an adolescent in the 70's I remember seeing teens get involved w/boyfriends who disrespected them. I told myself @ 14 that didn't want to know what that felt like. I dated someone @ 15 who was way too old for me, he grabbed my arm when I refused to walk into a pool hall (something respectable young ladies did not go into-I was raised). I never spoke to him again. At 17 I again dated someone too old for me at the time. He called me a B–ch because I didn't feel like jogging with him. Nip it in the bud before these guys become stalkers, or liabilities you'd find hard to get rid of, and you will not have to worry about developing bonds that make it hard to let go. Disrepect is a deal breaker, period! What in the world thinks things will get better??!!

i have stayed in an abusive relationship before. love is the most important thing to a female, even beyond her own needs. she has no idea what is at stake because love is blinding. i feel for her stupidity but its one of those things she has to learn on her own. its sad that we are getting so involved. she has already lost her self worth... with nothing left, with all those feelings unwraveling... she has lost sight of herself. which means only one thing... all she knows is being his girlfriend and loving him... she has lost sight of loving herself. abuse does that, this is definitely not the first time he's hit her.. and will not be the last. HAVE YOU ever wander maybe that she is already passed the hope we are giving her? she has been living a lot longer with this lie then we realize and this time its just been publicized... she doesnt know yet how to let go... i dont blame her for being young and lost.

Please–put the issue with all of it's negativity back where it belongs-on Chris Brown, not the victim here. Instead of asking why she returns to the violent situation (and judging her for doing so) why not instead ask the more appropriate question....why does Chris Brown feel the need to viciously attack the woman he loves? Where does his distorted view of women emanate from?

And finally, what do we do about preventing future generations from those same violent actions?

An example of the emotional hold he has on her; she's exhibiting typical abuse syndrome behavior b/c he's probably exhibiting typical abuser nehavior – apologizing profusely and declaring his undying love. It's sad. Bastard should serve jail time for the assualt and her family and friends should get her into therapy so that she can assert herself and move on. I agree that she'll be the next Tina Turner or Whitney Houston if someone doesn't step in. She obviously is not seeing the assualt for what it is.