Rihanna and Chris Brown Come Face to Face in Court
Popstar Rihanna and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown will meet today in court.
June 22, 2009 — -- Since she was bloodied and bruised in February, pop singer Rihanna has said nothing about the assault or her accused attacker, Chris Brown. Today she is expected to break her silence when she testifies for the prosecution in the assault case against her ex-boyfriend.
Brown's preliminary hearing, which will be closed to cameras, is scheduled for today in Los Angeles. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if there is enough evidence for Brown to stand trial.
Rihanna's testimony could make or break the case. Brown could face up to four years in prison if convincted.
The "Umbrella" singer was subpoenaed last Tuesday in the law offices of her attorney, Donald Etra.
"My expectation is that she will be called to take the stand," said Etra of his client, Rihanna. "She plans to tell the truth about what happened."
Etra declined to comment on the status of Rihanna's relationship with Brown or her state of mind.
What Rihanna will say is anyone's guess. Following the assault, she first reunited with Brown, whom she had dated for about a year, but has since distanced herself.
Former California prosecutor William Gagen seems to think her testimony will benefit prosecutors.
"What happens with domestic violence cases in a general way is the victim is unwilling to testify because they got back together or they don't want to break down the marital union against the spouse," Gagen said. "But there probably is no privilege here since they are not married.
"I would think the prosecutor would have a clear road map of where she is going go," he added.
Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, will also have an opportunity to cross-examine Rihanna.
Geragos has tried to delay the hearing. Last week, he filed a motion to push back the hearing until he could view police records. Geragos has pointed the finger at L.A. police for leaking a bombshell photo of a bruised and battered Rihanna.
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