One week to the day after the domestic dispute that left girlfriend RIHANNA injured, CHRIS BROWN has finally released the following statement…

“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writing under my name are frauds.”

Though Brown admits no direct wrongdoing, he does (thankfully) acknowledge that he is seeking counsel. 

The 19 year old is reportedly home in Virginia with his mother Joyce Hawkins. Late last week his family began to break their silence. Chris’ paternal aunt Christine Brown  spoke with a local radio station in defense of her nephew, reminding everyone that this isn’t some violent monster we’re talking about. But rather a teen-aged kid. The singers father CLINTON BROWN (not to be confused with Chris’ former step-father Donelle Hawkins) also spoke about his son. 

In an interview with People, the 44 year-old corrections officer said his son was ‘Reflecting on this situation.’ 

“This is unfortunate, this stumble, this situation,” the elder Brown continues. “Hopefully, he will get past it. We all have our shortcomings. We all trip…This music industry is very unforgiving when it comes to having indiscretions. He will continue to be a good person. He loves people. And like most of us, most humans, things will occur. And hopefully a person won’t be judged simply on that alone.” 

The Los Angeles DA has yet to fully take over the case and as of right now, Brown has been charged with one felony count of Suspicion of Criminal Threat. Chris is free on $50,000 bond and is due back in court on March 5th. Additional charges may be added depending on the outcome of the LAPD investigation. 

Meanwhile Rihanna’s (nee Robyn Rihanna Fenty) father also spoke to People this weekend and says he was just as shocked as everyone else to learn of what happened to his 20 year-old daughter. 

“I didn’t believe it” said Fenty, who confirmed that his daughter is back home in their native Barbados. 

“I know my daughter,” said Fenty, 55. As for Brown, he said, “You think you know somebody, but you really don’t.” 

When asked when we could expect a statement from the singer, who has not been seen publicly since Sunday’s incident, her father added, “At some point, she will speak out. I hope she will stand up for women all over the world.” 

And while everyone from Kanye West to Kerry Washington have spoken out about this tragic incident, perhaps it ’s Rihanna’s former mentor, JAY-Z that has summed it up best.

“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.”