By Kelley L. Carter, USA TODAY
LOS ANGELES — It was going to be another highly anticipated, media-clogged celebrity courtroom showdown, pitting pop singer Rihanna against her erstwhile boyfriend, R&B star Chris Brown. But it fizzled Monday when Brown accepted a deal in which he pleaded guilty to felony assault but avoided a trial and jail time.
EVERYTHING CHRIS BROWN: Learn more about the singer
The plea agreement, under which Brown, 20, will serve 180 days of community service and undergo domestic-violence counseling, was announced at the start of a preliminary hearing here.
"Do we have a deal?" Judge Patricia Schnegg asked after calling the hearing into session.
Rihanna, 21, had been prepared to take the stand to testify about what happened when the couple drove home from a pre-Grammy party in February.
EVERYTHING CHRIS BROWN: Learn more about the singer
The plea agreement, under which Brown, 20, will serve 180 days of community service and undergo domestic-violence counseling, was announced at the start of a preliminary hearing here.
"Do we have a deal?" Judge Patricia Schnegg asked after calling the hearing into session.
Rihanna, 21, had been prepared to take the stand to testify about what happened when the couple drove home from a pre-Grammy party in February.
Brown, dressed in a black-, white- and grey-checkered suit, entered the courtroom flanked by five sheriff's deputies. Nearly a dozen members of his family filled two courtroom rows behind him and his attorney, famed celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos.
"I want Mr. Brown to be treated as any other person of this type of charge," the judge said.
Dozens of media outlets were there to record the courtroom confrontation that didn't happen. Rihanna, wearing a black dress and pearls, appeared in court only after Brown had left.
Rihanna — born in Barbados, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty — listened as Schnegg explained the stay-away order she issued: Brown can't contact Rihanna and she can't contact him at least until Aug. 5, when Brown will be formally sentenced.
Later, Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, said Rihanna didn't think the terms of the stay-away order were necessary. Etra would not comment on the current state of Brown's relationship with Rihanna.
Brown's plea deal includes five years of supervised probation, plus Brown must pay court restitution and contribute to a domestic violence fund.
Brown could have been sentenced to up to four years in prison. He will be allowed to do his community service in his home state of Virginia since he doesn't own any property in Los Angeles.
Brown spoke softly as he told the judge he understood the terms and conditions of his plea.
"I think it's commendable that you took responsibility," Schnegg told Brown. "I hope this will have some meaning for you."
Once known for a squeaky-clean image, Brown has already suffered fallout from the case; he was dropped by some sponsors and had to cancel several appearances. Because violence was involved in the case, it may be tougher for the singer to rebound, but not impossible.
"What happened today will have less impact than people thought," says Jason Adams, Entertainment Weekly assistant managing editor. "(It) pretty much sets both of them up to continue with their careers without turning a blind eye to what happened. … When it's all said and done, he's a young man, and this stuff will be over pretty quickly."
Contributing: Steve Jones and Maria Puente
"I want Mr. Brown to be treated as any other person of this type of charge," the judge said.
Dozens of media outlets were there to record the courtroom confrontation that didn't happen. Rihanna, wearing a black dress and pearls, appeared in court only after Brown had left.
Rihanna — born in Barbados, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty — listened as Schnegg explained the stay-away order she issued: Brown can't contact Rihanna and she can't contact him at least until Aug. 5, when Brown will be formally sentenced.
Later, Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, said Rihanna didn't think the terms of the stay-away order were necessary. Etra would not comment on the current state of Brown's relationship with Rihanna.
Brown's plea deal includes five years of supervised probation, plus Brown must pay court restitution and contribute to a domestic violence fund.
Brown could have been sentenced to up to four years in prison. He will be allowed to do his community service in his home state of Virginia since he doesn't own any property in Los Angeles.
Brown spoke softly as he told the judge he understood the terms and conditions of his plea.
"I think it's commendable that you took responsibility," Schnegg told Brown. "I hope this will have some meaning for you."
Once known for a squeaky-clean image, Brown has already suffered fallout from the case; he was dropped by some sponsors and had to cancel several appearances. Because violence was involved in the case, it may be tougher for the singer to rebound, but not impossible.
"What happened today will have less impact than people thought," says Jason Adams, Entertainment Weekly assistant managing editor. "(It) pretty much sets both of them up to continue with their careers without turning a blind eye to what happened. … When it's all said and done, he's a young man, and this stuff will be over pretty quickly."
Contributing: Steve Jones and Maria Puente
