Chris Brown: Apologises to Rihanna and fans

Chris Brown:  Apologises to Rihanna and fans

For the first time since February 2009, Chris Brown has been publicly regretful for his actions.

He apologized regarding the domestic altercation that took place between him and Rihanna earlier this year, in a video that appeared online late Monday afternoon.

In the clip, Brown spoke directly to the camera and apologized to his former girlfriend and his fans.

"I've told Rihanna countless times and I'm telling you today, I'm truly, truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," Brown said.

At  the beginning of the clip, the singer expressed his "deepest regret" over the fight and said he "accepts full responsibility" for the incident. He explained that ever since the incident, he'd been wanting to talk about the matter but his attorneys advised him not to speak about the situation until the legal ramifications were settled.

On the eve of the 2009 Grammy Awards, Brown and Rihanna engaged in an altercation that left the "Umbrella" star with facial contusions. Last month, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault. The singer is to attend anger-management courses, seek therapy and perform community labor as a result of his plea deal.

Brown continued to express remorse throughout the clip and towards the end he said, until the incident, he was living his life in a way that would make those around him proud. Through soul searching, he said, and help from his minister and mother, Brown intends to work on himself and gain forgiveness for his actions.

"I only can pray that you forgive me, please," he said to his fans.