LAPD 'Vigorously' Investigating 'Rihanna Photo' Leak

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are “vigorously” investigating how a photo, believed to be of singer Rihanna, entered the public domain, a police spokesman has said.

The picture, which was published by celebrity website TMZ last Friday, appears to show Rihanna with facial injuries that were reportedly inflicted during an altercation with her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown.

Although the LAPD has refused to confirm that the woman in the picture is Rihanna, they have acknowledged the photograph appears to have been taken "during an official domestic violence investigation".

LAPD spokesman Lt. John Romero said the department's enquiry into the image's publication was ongoing, but he refused to discuss details about the official investigation.

"They said they were looking into it vigorously. We are not talking about the protocols because it will relate to this investigation,” he told E! News.

Brown was questioned by police on February 7th following a complaint of assault from an unknown woman, reported to be Rihanna.

Brown and the woman are believed to have got into an argument in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles.

Tabloid reports today (February 25th) claimed Brown was attending anger-management classes following his arrest, in addition to counselling.

On Saturday (February 21st), Rihanna's spokesperson said: "At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown.”

Her spokesperson added that the singer wanted to “assure her fans that she remains strong”.

Rihanna and Chris Brown