LAPD launches an internal investigation over leaked Rihanna Photo

This picture was posted Thursday night by the celebrity Web site TMZ . It is a leaked photo of  Rihanna’s face with bruises, scratches and swelling from an attack  by her boyfriend Chris Brown.

TMZ did not say how they got their hands on the photo, when it was taken or by whom.

 The Los Angeles Police Department launched an internal investigation and asked for the public’s help in finding the person who leaked it. A police news release said the image looks like one taken during a domestic violence investigation, and classified its release as a case of serious misconduct that could result in termination.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8 and booked on suspicion of making felony criminal threats to Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty.

Chris Brown’s Public Statement

Chris Brown hired public relations firm Sitrick and Company, who sent the statement. Brown is under investigation by the LAPD for felony criminal threat and bitting and hitting Rihanna, who is currently home in Barbados, according to People.

A week after the violent incident, This is Chris’s Statement:

“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired,” he said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person.”

“Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong,”

“While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds.”