Ever since the assault of Rihanna made international headlines last week -- which her boyfriend Chris Brown was subsequently arrested for -- neither one of the chart-topping music stars has said much about the incident.
Not even their savvy media representatives.
However, a bevy of celebrities are speaking out about it, some when asked, others when not.
Kanye West, who recently toured with the Barbados-born beauty, got the ball rolling about the alleged domestic abuse during a call in to Ryan Seacrest's popular syndicated radio show early last week. "I was completely devastated during the performance," he said.
"Rihanna is so important to our culture ... to pop music," the "Jesus Walks' rapper continued. "I feel like she is the most important artist in music and has the most potential. Her taste level and her age ... she has the potential to be the greatest artist of all time."
"It's so devastating," he added. "Just as a person, I don't care how famous she is or even if she just worked at McDonald's ... [abuse] should never happen. It should never come to that place."
And Jay-Z, who has a close relationship with Rihanna and is credited with discovering the songstress, offered his support too:
"This is a real situation," the hip-hop mogul said in Phoenix during last weekend's NBA All-Star festivities. "You have to have compassion for others. Just imagine it being your sister or mom and then think about how we should talk about that," he continued.
"I just think we should all support her. She's going through a tough time. You have to realize she's a young girl, as well. She's very young."
The 20-year-old Def Jam Records singer, who's a spokeswoman for Cover Girl Cosmetics, was allegedly attacked in Los Angeles on Feb. 8. Her father, Ronald Fenty, told People magazine that his daughter, whom he reportedly saw Thursday, is bruised but "will be all right."
The news of the two chart-topping lovebirds had a ripple effect on the entertainment industry, not just the music field.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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"Jada [Pinkett Smith] and I reached out to both of them," Will Smith revealed to 'Extra.' "If it's help they need, then let's get it right."
"This is a time where they need to be left alone, and if they have things they need to work out, work it out," the box-office superstar continued, urging people to "take a minute before they jump on it and judge."
"We don't know nothing," he added. "If there are mistakes people make, then they should be willing to live up to the mistakes and do whatever penance they need to do. I don't think it's up to us, specifically the media, with such a fast hand to try to chop someone's head off."
And Gayle King has thrown her hat into the ring, too.
"I can't think of anything that makes me support anything that Chris Brown is saying at this time. And my heart just aches for Rihanna," Oprah Winfrey's professional best friend and media personality told 'Extra.'
Earlier this week, via her blog, Emmy Award-winning TV star Roseanne Barr launched a biting and unflinching missive against Brown, 19, who issued his own statement on Feb. 15.
"Chris Brown's lies and excuses make me want to beat the crap out of him. ...He uses the language of the perpetrator just like every sleazy bastard who ever smacked his wife, kid mother or girlfriend around uses," she fumed. "You dirty bastard. I hope you go to prison for 10 years. IT'S YOUR FAULT, A--HOLE!"
Last night, backstage at her sold-out show at New York's B.B. King nightclub, R&B/soul diva Angie Stone expressed empathy for the tragic occurrence but did note that, "women have to be women."
"We have to be ladies," the 'No More Rain' singer expressed. "You can't provoke men to hit you because the patience is not there anymore. Life is just too stressful."
Stone seems to know a thing or two about high-profile romances. She and Grammy Award-winning neo-soul crooner D'Angelo didn't only collaborate in the studio on hit records, they were also lovers. The former couple have an adolescent son.
"That wasn't no stormy ride. I had a wonderful ride," she clarified. "It's just it didn't work out. All relationships have their ups and downs. I can honestly say that though I was never physically abused in that relationship ever, I wouldn't tolerate that. But my heart goes out to Rihanna and Chris because I do know them. ... They are two wonderful, young superduper stars.""I know a lot of females hit guys first because we have this control-of-nature thing, because we feel like because we're women, they won't hit back," she continued. "But in today's society, it's keep your hands to yourselves. Now, I don't know how it went down, but I'm praying for some peace and just for them to really get the help they need."
Stone did say she was disappointed and shocked to hear the reports about the couple and the fallout but added that domestic abuse is commonplace in the industry.
"I can assure you that quite a few celebrities have been tapped upside their heads before," she revealed.
When asked if she ever experienced abuse, Stone quipped, "Oh hell no! Understand and do believe that when I tell you that faces will be cracked and on the ground. Because if you hit me, I'm telling you right now, I'm going for broke to try to break you off. I don't play that. My face is too beautiful and my skin is too well kept to get a scratch. And you better not mess with nobody else that I love, because guess what? Angie Stone immediately goes back to Angie B."
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (266)
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By: BalancedViewPlease on 2/18/2009 6:02PM
I hope the celebrities will remain neutral until all or most of the facts pertaining to the incident between Rihanna and Chris Brown have been revealed. I hope both parties will learn from this incident and develop better skills regarding how to maintain control and have loving relationships not hurting relationships. Both men and women and men can commit battery. The laws are not written just to address men offensively touching women but also women offensively touching men. I continue to reserve my opinion until the investigation is finished and at least good effort has been made to bring all the facts out. However, if it is determined that Rihanna initiated the battering for whatever reason, it is my opinion that she should be punished too. If the American legal system allows women to batter men and expect no punishment then abuse of men will occur. I prefer to take a logical approach to this matter ,remove the names and sexes, and try to figure out who is the aggressive party. That is where to start when trying to analyze this unfortunate incident. It is important to be fair and hear both parties out in this case. There are conflicting statements regarding this situation. It has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Chris Brown caused any or all of Rihanna’s bruises. The bottom-line is everyone in American is presumed innocent until proven guilty. No verdict has been rendered. Further defenses can be asserted. It is not the media’s nor the public’s judgment that will determine whether Chris Brown remains a free man; it is the court’s and thank goodness!
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By: Missy on 2/19/2009 8:45PM
I think this is the most intelligent comment I heard as of yet. You're right, I believe that both parties should be punished. Not just because he is a man means it right for a woman to be on you and get away with it. If Rihianna did initiate that fight( which women we know she did, because of that woman texting her man's phone), she should lose her endorsemment just as Chris Brown has because they both are wrong. I really can talk because I use to be the aggresive one in my marriage until I got the help I deserved, and I was not right either! Remember people their is a differece between a fight and a beating. He did not beat Rihanna, they were equally fighting. Only one can win!
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By: MEME on 2/19/2009 10:34PM
I'm responsing to the above comment and the comments below.How old are both of you 8? You must be noone has the right to abuse you no matter what is said to you. A woman will never be stronger than a man
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By: hither on 2/22/2009 12:11PM
either wes cheap shoting someone or wes hitting our women
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By: CARROL on 2/22/2009 9:13PM
I TOTALLY AGREE THAT WE ALL SHOULD WAIVE OUR JUDGEMENTS REGARDING WHAT WE THINK HAPPENED. WHEN THERE IS DV, SOCIETY AS A WHOLE OFTEN ASSUME THAT THE MAN IS THE AGGRESSOR/PREPRETRATOR WHICH IS NOT NECESSARILY THE CASE. FYI, WOMEN ARE AGGRESSORS TOO.
MY 20 YEAR OLD SON RECENTLY HAD A INCIDENT WITH HIS NOW EX IN WHICH SHE CALLED THE COPS. LUCKY FOR HIM, MY NIECE WAS PRESENT DURING THE ALTERCATION AND REPORTED TO THE COPS THAT THE EX WAS HITTING HIM IN THE FACE, KICKING AND PUNCHING HIM AND THAT ALL HE DID WAS HELD HER ARMS IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESTRAIN HER. BECAUSE SHE IS OF A LIGHT COMPLEXION AND SHE OBTAINED MARKS FROM BEING HELD, HE NEARLY WENT TO JAIL. MY REASON FOR SHARING, IS UNLESS WE KNOW THE FACTS, WE SHOULD RESERVE MAKING ANY JUDGEMENT.
I AM IN NO WAY DEFENDING CHRIS BROWN'S ACTIONS BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT HE IS WORTHY OF BEING FORGIVEN. I RESPECT HIM FOR TAKING RESPONSIBILITY OF HIS ACTIONS REGARDLESS OF MASS MEDIA COVERAGE. HE MADE NO ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY HIS ACTIONS NOR DID HE ATTEMPT TO SMEAR RIHANNA'S NAME.
MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF BOTH CHRIS AND RIHANNA. I ALSO FEEL SHE SHOULD GO INTO COUNSELING AS WELL. SOMETIMES WOMEN GRAVITATE TOWARD CERTAIN TYPES OF RELATIONSHIP WHICH IS UNHEALTHY. I SINCERELY HOPE THEY CAN PUT THIS BEHIND THEM EVEN IF THEY NOLONGER REMAIN IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP.
I ALSO WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT JADA AND WILL SMITH HAVE THE RIGHT APPROACH. "IF IT IS HELP THEY NEED, LET'S GIVE IT TO THEM." I VALUE AND RESPECT THEIR COMMENTS. AS FOR CHRIS BROWN, LOOK AT WHERE LOYALTY LIES AND THOSE WHO ARE FOR YOU. NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS I LOVE YOU MEANS IT...SOME ARE JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE AND WHEN TROUBLE SETS, THEY'LL FORSAKE YOU. KEEP PRAYING AND STAY CLOSE TO THE ONES WHO REALLY LOVE AND CARE.
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By: Cassandra on 3/05/2009 9:41PM
I have concerns about what happened to both Chris and Rihanna! My concern is "why can't the media and all these other ignorant people allow them to work this out." Because no one really knows what happened, how can anyone judge anybody. I am sure the truth will come out eventually. When it does, it is then that we must offer support to them both instead of trying to condemnn one or the other. STOP TRIPPING!!
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By: nigel G benjamin on 3/17/2009 5:42PM
I realy thinks that Rhanna should take a page from Withney Huston book where as, she took her blows, but in fact, she loves her Bobby Brown, "i love my bobby she would say", dont matter what, until the end comes, and check it out they'r all......Browns
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By: 1xxl on 10/08/2009 6:45PM
mmm... nice baby ;))
Watch Rihanna Sex Tape '09 for FREE
http://rihanna-sextape.blogspot.com
good quality...
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By: Matt on 2/18/2009 7:52PM
THANK GOD ROSEANNE SAID WHAT SHE SAID. She speaks the truth and at least she has the balls to say it!
Her sitcom will go down in history as one of the greatest ever made; I love her show! So pay respect where respect is due!!
GO ROSEANNE! Keep speaking the truth and empowering women!!
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By: C on 2/19/2009 7:30AM
You or Rosanne (who I love also) have not idea what happened, neither do I nor the press.
I agree, there is no good reason to hit, but be prepared if you strike first, you might get a wallop back in your own face! Whether by a 19 yr old or 99 yr old, man or woman.
KEEP your hands to yourself is one of the first things we're taught in our civilized society.
Ms. Rhianna is coming out as an innocent victim, but let's not forget that she struck her own sibling in the face with her fist because she became unhappy about a situtation.
Both of them need our support...if you do not exercise self control, you need help.
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