R&B star NE-YO has reached out to Rihanna since the alleged incident between her and Chris Brown - and insists the pop singer is doing "fine."
Brown was arrested and charged by Los Angeles police with making criminal threats following the alleged attack on 8 February (09), which is said to have left Rihanna needing hospital treatment.
A photograph of what appears to a be a badly bruised Rihanna was later posted on celebrity website TMZ.com.
Rihanna has been keeping a low profile since the alleged altercation but Ne-Yo, who is close friends with the pair, insists she is coping well.
He tells MTV.com, I spoke to Rihanna. She says shes fine. She didnt go into detail about what happened. I understand its a painful situation; I didnt push."
And the Miss Independent hitmaker also expressed his anguish over the situation - and plans to speak to Brown to find out exactly what happened and offer him relationship advice if necessary.
He adds, I saw the picture. That just really - that hurt me to my heart, man. Again, I still dont know what happened, cause I havent had the opportunity to talk to Chris yet. But to take it to that level really hurt my heart.
All I can say is, Im praying for both of them. Theyre both in my prayers. I havent had a chance to talk to Chris yet. I just wanna sit down and talk to that dude and just explain if he doesnt understand: Thats not something thats excusable, bruh (sic). You have to get a little smarter about whatever it is going on in your relationship. You have to get a little smarter about how you handle certain situations.
Im not going to crucify him. Im not going to do that. Thats still my homeboy at the end of the day. For it to go to that level was wrong. I wont say who was responsible. I wont pick no sides. Im just saying it was wrong."