(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Rihannas father feels sorry for her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown because hes had such a dramatic fall from grace.
Chris was sentenced to five years' probation and six months' community labour after admitting punching, biting and choking Rihanna in his car in 2009. While Rihannas career has gone from strength to strength since splitting from him, Chris has struggled. Stores refused to stock his records, and he has found it difficult to sell out shows.
Rihannas father Ronald Fenty was horrified when he heard about the attack, and publicly condemned Chris. He has now put the incident behind him, explaining he believes Chris, 21, has paid a high enough price for his actions.
It was really tough seeing the pictures of her beaten up, he explained. "But I have forgiven him. He has lost so much from one stupid mistake. So me making him feel even worse makes no sense. I feel sorry for him now.
Rihanna, 22, and Ronald who is a recovering drug addict have a turbulent relationship. She had a tough childhood due to Ronalds substance abuse, and had to send him home from one of her tours due to his bad behaviour.
They are now talking again, and Ronald is fiercely proud of all she has achieved. He likes the way she is different to other artists of her generation, and believes she gets her talent from his side of the family.
Her mom says Robyn takes after her but I know the singing is definitely from me. My mom and dad sing but it skipped a generation with me, he told British newspaper The Sun. Robyn has special charisma. She's charming, smart and witty - she's a complete package. They didn't have to do anything to her. She didn't have to get no fake boobs or nothing.
These celebrities live in a different world. They get whatever they want given to them on a plate. But Robyn's not like that - she still likes her chicken and boiled eggs.
Rihannas voice first made an impact on Ronald when he heard her singing aged seven. However, he admits her success came out of the blue as he hadnt realised she was so keen on a music career.
He did know she wanted a better life for herself, though, as she did all she could to make her own money when she was just a youngster.
She used to sell stuff on the side of the street like I did. She'd come outside of the store and put up a rack and sell hats and belts and scarves, he laughed. "She would also buy sweets, put them in packages and take them to school to sell to her friends for a profit." (C) Cover Media