Rihanna sports sunglasses in first picture since alleged attack

Rihanna has put on a brave face in her first public outing since ex-boyfriend Chris Brown allegedly attacked her almost two weeks ago.

The singer was photographed wearing a pair of sunglasses in a car in Los Angeles on Thursday night, the same evening that a website published a picture appearing to show her beaten and bruised.

The injuries are said to relate to a fight between Rihanna and Brown in the early hours of February 8, which allegedly left her in need of hospital treatment.

Reports suggest Rihanna flew to Barbados to escape the media and to celebrate her 21st birthday on Friday.

The star also released her first statement since the alleged attack via her spokesperson on Friday: "She (Rihanna) 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."