Cheryl Cole: 'We should all forgive Chris Brown now'

'Call My Name' singer Cheryl Cole has told how she believes that the general public should forgive US singer Chris Brown for beating up Rihanna in a vicious attack in 2009.

The former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud star made the comments in an interview with The Hits radio station, and claims that if Rihanna has put the past behind her - then so should the general public.

"I think it's really kind of Rihanna actually. She's come out and publicly forgiven him really. I think it's about time we all did if I'm completely honest, if you want my opinion," said Cheryl.

"I work with people all the time with my charity that are transformed characters. They've done things when they were young that they regret, they've been to prison and they're now upstanding members of the public and help our community and are amazing people."

Cheryl Cole was once herself an artist with a less than squeaky clean reputation, after her infamous assault on a toilet attendant in 2003. She shook off the bad press after marrying footballer Ashley Cole and taking a role on X Factor. She adds that Brown is still criticised as he remains in the public eye.

"I think because he's in the limelight," she continued. "He hasn't had the chance to be forgiven or to forgive himself because we haven't let him. Now that she's come out and embraced him again, I think it's time we all moved on. That guy is talented as hell."