Chris Brown's Fate in Rihanna's Hands, Rihanna to Testify June 22

by Tina Kells | May 28, 2009 at 12:09 pm

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Chris Brown's fate may be in Rihanna's hands at his preliminary hearing on June 22, 2009. Rihanna will testify at the preliminary hearing and what she says may determine if the case will even go to trial. Chris Brown's June 22 hearing will determine if their is sufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal trial for domestic assault.

Chris Brown has been charged in connection with a pre-Grammy awards domestic assault on Rihanna in which he threatened her life, choked her unconscious and left her badly beaten and bruised. Chris Brown and Rihanna briefly reconciled a month after the assault but appear to no longer be romantically involved.

Pressure from friends, family and fans caused Rihanna to distance herself from Chris Brown but the pop star has been hurting since the separation. Sexting photos Rihanna sent to Chris Brown while the pair were still involved were leaked online and many feel it was an attempt by Chris Brown's camp to discredit her before the June 22, 2009 hearing.

Chris Brown made another pre-trial public relations move when he posted a YouTube video in May 2009 declaring "I am not a monster" and appealing to fans and foes to give him a break.

Many people, however, do not want to forgive and forget and Chris Brown's career has taken a hit; sponsors have dropped Brown and several public engagements have been canceled since the news of his violence against Rihanna became public.

Donald Etra, Rihanna's lawyer, told reporters that prosecutors have told him the Barbados-born singer will receive a subpoena to testify at a preliminary hearing June 22. The hearing will focus on whether there is enough evidence to continue the case against Brown.

Etra said Rihanna will comply with the order. It would mark her first appearance in court since felony assault and criminal threats charges were filed against Brown in March.