TMZ Releases Beaten Rihanna Photo; LAPD Is Pissed

There you have it folks. TMZ got their hands on the picture every tabloid in the world has been looking for - Rihanna's mangled face after her alleged fight with boyfriend Chris Brown. Visible amongst the swelling are welts above each eyebrow, marks on her cheek and scratches around her lips.

The "tattoos on the shoulder":http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo/celeb-rihanna.htm also match those of Rihanna. More confirmation that the photo is legit comes from the LAPD, who immediately after the photo surfaced released a statement (see below) saying the photo "has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation." An internal investigation was launched thereafter. TMZ did not reveal how they got or who gave them the photo.

Unauthorized Release of Photograph :

Los Angeles: The unauthorized release of a domestic violence photograph immediately
generated an internal investigation.

At about 7 p.m. on February 19, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations
Section began receiving numerous inquiries about the release of a photograph associated with a
domestic violence incident that occurred on February 8, 2009, involving entertainer Chris
Brown. The photograph appeared on an entertainment website. The photograph has the
appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation.

The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of
victims of domestic violence.

The Department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel
complaint.

A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including
termination.

Anyone with information concerning the unauthorized release of the photograph is asked to call,
during regular business hours, (213) 485-4152. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be
directed to our 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text
"CRIMES" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When
using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.