Singer Chris Brown, facing charges of domestic violence against his girlfriend, singer Rihanna, has withdrawn his nominations for two Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, a spokesman said.
Brown, 19, had been nominated for “Favorite Song” and “Favorite Male Singer.” “Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding the incident last month has shifted the focus from the music to whether he should be allowed to be among those nominated,” the spokesman said in a written statement. The Los Angeles County District Attorney filed two felony counts against Brown last week relating to a February 8 incident in which police said he assaulted Rihanna, 21. Nickelodeon television network issued its own statement Wednesday. “We agree with and respect his decision, and are looking forward to presenting a great event for our audience,” it said. The Kids’ Choice Awards will be handed out on March 28 in Los Angeles. Watch the report on Brown’s withdrawal » “While Chris would like to speak to his fans directly about this and other issues, pending legal proceedings preclude his doing so at this time,” Brown’s spokesman said. “Once the matter before him has been resolved, he intends to do so.” Brown issued a public apology to his fans last month. “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired,” he said in a statement released by his spokesman. “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.” Court documents released last week revealed details about the case against Brown, including a police statement that the incident began when Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, found a text message on Brown’s cell phone from “a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with.” When Brown made his first appearance in court March 5, Rihanna’s lawyer asked the judge not to prohibit Brown from having contact with her while he faces the charges. While media reports have said the couple has reunited since the alleged incident, spokesmen for both have neither confirmed nor denied that. Watch viewers reaction to the Chris Brown-Rihanna drama »
Brown is due back in court on April 6 for his formal arraignment. If he is convicted, the sentence could range from probation to four years and eight months in prison, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.
