Five months after a fight with Rihanna that left her battered and bruised and him with assault convictions — Chris Brown has finally said sorry.

In a lengthy video released online today, the R&B star seems pretty sincere when he apologises to the girlfriend his swift fists cost him, and the fans who’ve abandoned him since.

But surely it’s too little, too late.

A transcript of the full statement after the jump.

“Hi, I’m Chris Brown. Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out, even though ever since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility. Although I will do some interviews and answer questions in the future, I felt it was time that you heard directly from me that I’m sorry.

“I have tried to live my life in a way that would make those around me proud of me, and until recently I think I was doing a pretty good job.

“I wish I had the chance to live those few moments again but unfortunately I can’t. I can’t go into what happened but most important (sic) I’m not gonna sit here and make any excuses. I take great pride in being able to exercise self control but what I did was inexcusable. I am very sad and very ashamed at what I’ve done.

“My mothers and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that. I have told Rihanna countless times and I’m telling you today that I’m truly, truly sorry that I wasn’t able to handle the situation both differently and better.

“I recognise that I’ve truly been blessed; blessed with a wonderful family, wonderful friends and fans. God has been generous in giving me the ability which has brought me fame and fortune. I’ve done a lot of soul searching over the past several months, I’ve talked with my minister and my mother, and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand what happened and why. I have let a lot of people down and I realise that. And no one is more disappointed in me than I am.

“As many of you know, I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence and I saw first hand what uncontrolled rage could do. I have sought and am continuing to seek help to ensure that what occured in February can never happen again and as I sit here today, I can tell you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that it never happens again and I promise that.

“What I did was unacceptable, 100 per cent. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me, please. I hope that others learn from my mistake. I intend to live my life so that I am truly worthy of the term role model. Thank you.”

SIMILAR POSTS:

• Brown thought Rihanna beating photo was a fake (September 3, 2009)
• Brown charged with two felonies (March 5, 2009)
• Update: Brown Sentenced to community service and probation after plea deal (June 22, 2009)
• Insomniac Theater: Rihanna/Chris Brown headline round-up (February 10, 2009)
• Breaking: Rihanna photo posted online (February 20, 2009)

Categories: Feuds / Legal Shenanigans / Music / Splits / Twosomes
Tags: Chris Brown / Rihanna
Author: Ian Garland