Chris Brown has to endure constant speculation about his on/off relationship with ex-girlfriend Rihanna but the singer says he has moved on from their situation and his shocking assault on her in 2009, insisting that he's "not angry" about anything that may have happened in their past.
As most are aware, the 'Loyal' singer notoriously launched a brutal attack on Rihanna, 26, while driving home from a Grammys pre-party five years ago, resulting in his conviction for domestic assault. Despite splitting in the months after the incident, the pair have since reconciled and broken up a couple of times but it finally appears to be over with Chris, 25, now in a relationship with Karrueche Tran.
In a candid interview with Billboard magazine, Chris reveals whether or not he can envision a day when the assault or his romance with Rihanna isn't brought up, explaining: "When we're not relevant anymore, that might be the case. As long as you're doing something good, people will always bring up old stuff or negative stuff because they don't want you to surpass a certain level or elevate. But as long as you have your head on straight, it shouldn't matter what people want to say."
Chris' comments come just days after photos emerged of him hanging out with Rihanna's dad at a celebrity basketball game in New York last month, proving that he's still on good terms with her family. The same can't be said for his friendship with the 'Diamonds' singer though as she was also at the same game but went to great effort to avoid making eye contact with her ex as he played on the court.
The 'New Flame' hitmaker, who is preparing to release his new album 'X' on September 16, also detailed how he finds dealing with his personal problems in the public eye, explaining: "I just have to realise it comes with the territory in this day and age of social media. My age group and younger stay on the phone and Internet. It's easy access. So I just like to focus on what I'm doing instead of getting caught up. Everybody gets caught up watching Instagram or whatever; they have jokes and all kinds of things.
"I can still engage in it but not participate in the negative side. Not everyone in the world is going to particularly love me. But I'm cool with that. As long as I love myself and my music, I'm fine. People are going to say what they want to say. I don't look over my shoulder or wish I could turn back the hands of time. Life is a learning experience, so I'm learning as I go. I'm not walking around angry about anything. So you just have to let it be."
Chris Brown graces the cover of the latest issue of Billboard magazine (Billboard/Twitter)
Chris' problems don't just stop at Rihanna though as he was forced to spend 180 days in jail for violating the terms of his probation while in rehab earlier this year. Last October, he was arrested and charged for assaulting a man in Washington D.C. but, despite pleading no contest, he managed to avoid another jail stint due to time served. With all his legal woes behind him, Chris is now moving forward and looking to the future.
"I just feel positive about life in general. Whatever happens will happen, and God has me. I'm going to keep my faith and be focused on my family, friends, fans and music. And from there just be the best Chris Brown I can be," he vowed.
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