Things are looking much more positive for Chris Brown tonight, as the R&B star was released from custody in Washington, D.C., and the felony assault charges against him were reduced to misdemeanor assault.
The 24-year-old appeared in a Washington, D.C. courtroom today in leg irons and handcuffs, where he entered a plea of not guilty.
Sources tell TMZ that the reason the charges were reduced is because the injuries to the victim were minor, even though the victim told TMZ Brown broke his nose. In addition there were conflicting witness accounts of what happened.
Brown was arrested for felony assault on Sunday morning in Washington, D.C. after allegedly attacking Isaac Parker, 20, outside a hotel and breaking his nose. The two allegedly got into an argument, and Chris was quoted as saying, “I’m not down with that gay shit, I’m into boxing,” before punching him in the nose.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the fight started when the man and his friend photobombed Chris, who was posing for a picture with two girls. Sources close to Chris insist the fight wasn’t over a photo, they say the alleged victim tried to force his way onto Chris’ tour bus, and Chris was merely trying to stop a trespass.
Chris has been released without bail. He was also ordered to stay 100 yards away from the victim.
He was joined at the courthouse by his family and friends including Trey Songz. Upon exiting, he was greeted by hordes of screaming fans and media.
UPDATE: TMZ has now reported that the L.A. County Probation Dept. has launched an investigation into Chris Brown’s D.C. arrest to determine if it constitutes a violation of his probation in the Rihanna beating case.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … Probation officials have been in contact with D.C. authorities. Probation investigators will conduct their own investigation, and determine if there’s good reason to believe Brown committed a crime when he allegedly punched a man in the nose Sunday morning.
The Probation Dept. will submit its report to the judge in the Rihanna case, who will decide if Brown’s probation should be revoked.
[TMZ]
