Chris Brown has been photographed with his hands around a woman's neck.

Nine years have passed since rapper Chris Brown told the world, “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired.”

What had transpired, of course, was an incident with his then-girlfriend Rihanna in a luxury car; an incident that left the singer with facial injuries that required hospitalisation.

It would soon emerge that Brown had beaten Rihanna with his closed fists after she grew angry over revelations of his infidelity with a co-worker.

Brown’s image has – rightfully – never fully recovered since images of Rihanna’s battered face made headlines around the globe. And more sobering images, released overnight, serve as a reminder of the 2009 attack.

Why, as a nation, are we not more outraged by domestic violence? Post continues.

Paparazzi photos, taken at 9am on Monday, show the 28-year-old with his right hand gripping the neck of a ‘female friend’ who looks distressed. Shortly after, it appears another woman tries to intervene.

Despite the images – which, under our commitment to not support the paparazzi economy, Mamamia has chosen not to republish – Brown’s lawyer Mark Geragos insisted to TMZ that, “[the woman pictured is] a friend. It’s obviously playful as she confirmed. Whoever invaded their privacy will be held accountable.”

Meanwhile, Brown posted his own explanation on Instagram – with a promotion for his upcoming tour thrown in for good measure.

Regardless of what happened, perhaps Brown needs to be reminded that placing his hands on a woman’s throat isn’t particularly funny.

Especially when those same hands have landed another woman in the emergency department.

If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.