February 2009: Chris Brown domestic abuse case

In February 2009, still riding high on the success of her third record, Rihanna was due to appear at the 51st Grammy Awards. However, her scheduled performance was cancelled, as reports surfaced that she had sustained visible injuries following an assault by then-boyfriend and fellow musician Chris Brown. A photograph taken by the Los Angeles Police Department showing the extent of her injuries was leaked to the press, and Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats. Brown pleaded guilty at the hearing in June, receiving five years of probation and an order to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna at all times. The picture here shows the solemn-looking singer leaving the Los Angeles courthouse, following Brown's hearing.