Rihanna releases statement

Rihanna assures fans that 'she remains strong' and 'is doing well'

Rihanna has released a statement assuring fans that 'she remains strong' and 'is doing well'.

It is the first official break in silence from the singer, who was allegedly assaulted by boyfriend Chris Brown after a pre-Grammy party two weeks ago.

The statement, which was released by her spokesperson on Friday - incidentally Rihanna's birthday - reads: 'At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown. She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time.'

A day before the statement was released, Rihanna was photographed in LA on her way to an airport; the first time she'd been seen since the incident took place.