A somber-looking Chris Brown appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday, April 6th, and pleaded not guilty to both felony counts he is currently facing. He said “Not guilty” to charges of assault and making criminal threats related to an alleged domestic violence incident against pop star Rihanna back in February.
Well, if he’s not guilty, who did it then?!
The 19-year-old R&B singer appeared at his arraignment alongside his lawyer, Mark Geragos. Brown entered his plea, speaking in a soft voice, while his mother, Joyce Hawkins, was reportedly in the front row as well.
The 21-year-old Umbrella singer was represented by attorney Donald Etra, who said after the hearing that the singer is in "fine spirits" and spending time with her family in Barbados.
After hearing the news that Brown pleaded not guilty, Rihanna 's father, Ronald Fenty, told Usmagazine.com that Brown "needs to stop being in denial" about what he did. "So what happened? Somebody else did this to Rihanna then?" Fenty told Us. "I just would like to see justice go in the right direction." He continued, "I don't want his career to be damaged – it’s damaged already. I think he’s a talented guy, but everybody should have to pay. I don't want to see him locked up for a long time – I just want him to acknowledge and get some help."
After the arraignment, Rihanna’s lawyer said his client hoped the case would not go to trial and that a plea bargain would be reached. “She wants this to be over quickly,” Etra said, but also adding that if Rihanna is asked to testify in a trial, "she will do everything the law requires her to do."
If convicted on both counts, Brown could face anything from probation to a maximum of four years and eight months in prison.
