Rihanna may testify in case against Brown

Rihanna’s lawyer said today she will appear at a hearing next month as a possible witness in the assault case against Chris Brown, who was arrested on suspicion of hitting and choking the singer.

The alleged incident took place hours before the then-couple were scheduled to appear at the Grammy Awards.

Donald Etra says prosecutors have told him Rihanna will receive a subpoena to testify at a preliminary hearing on June 22 and that she will comply with the order. The hearing will focus on whether there is enough evidence to continue the case against Brown.

The hearing would mark Rihanna’s first appearance in court since assault and criminal threats charges were filed against Brown in March following the February incident.

If she is called to testify, the 21-year-old singer would be subject to cross-examination by Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos.

Mr Etra would not address their relationship now, but said Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was following the case closely.

A judge today rejected a motion by Mr Geragos to receive police and investigative records related to the case and the apparent leak of a photo of a beaten and bruised Rihanna.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told Mr Geragos the motion was premature and he could file it again after the preliminary hearing.

Brown wasn’t in court today, but he is required to attend the preliminary hearing. The 20-year-old R&B singer faces possible sentences that range from probation to nearly five years in prison if convicted.

Mr Geragos argued that he should have access to the records to properly cross-examine police witnesses during the preliminary hearing. He also said intense public interest in the case should require the records’ release.