Warning: The post contains mentions of domestic violence and may be triggering to some readers.
In a poorly concealed attempt at clawing back social relevancy, singer Chris Brown has angered fans of his former partner, Rihanna, by leaving a comment on one of her Instagram posts.
The post in question shows the 31-year-old entrepreneur and R&B artist posing in a lingerie set from her brand Savage x Fenty, to which Brown – a convicted domestic abuser – commented: “I wanna be the lamp,” with an emoji of a smirking face.
Given the 30-year-old was convicted of assaulting Rihanna a decade ago, her followers were significantly less amused. Dozens responded angrily to the 30-year-old's comment.
"Narcissist of the f**kin century," wrote one follower.
"Sir u have the audacity," read another comment.
"STAY AWAY FROM HER," wrote another.
The 2009 Grammys incident.
In 2009, Brown and Rihanna's tumultuous relationship made headlines after the pair failed to show up to the Grammy Awards, at which they were set to perform.
At first, it was believed the couple had been in a car accident. However, photos and reports obtained by TMZ later showed Rihanna with a swollen and beaten face, as a result of Brown's physical violence.
According to police reports at the time, the couple apparently got into an argument after Rihanna discovered a text Brown had received from a former girlfriend. This ended with Brown assaulting her, leaving her with injuries that included two "huge contusions" on both sides of her forehead and "a bloody lip and nose".
Brown later pleaded guilty to felony assault and making criminal threats, and was sentenced to five years’ probation, 180 days community labour and given domestic violence counselling.
"He made a mistake, and he's paid his dues." A reconciliation in 2013.
Although it's unknown if the pair are currently on amicable terms, Rihanna and Brown did reconcile in 2013. Initially the pair re-followed each other on Twitter, and even collaborated on songs such as, 'Birthday Cake,' and 'Turn Up the Music'.
Speaking to Rolling Stone for their January, 2013 cover, the singer and entrepreneur said Brown had changed.
“When you add up the pieces from the outside, it’s not the cutest puzzle in the world,” she said of the abuse.
“You see us walking somewhere, driving somewhere, in the studio, in the club, and you think you know. But it’s different now. We don’t have those types of arguments anymore.
"We talk about shit. We value each other. We know exactly what we have now, and we don’t want to lose that.”
She further defended Brown, adding that "he’s paid his dues”.
“He made a mistake, and he’s paid his dues,” she said.
“He’s paid so much. And I know that’s not a place he would ever want to go back to. And sometimes people need support and encouragement, instead of ridicule and criticism and bashing.”
However, they were believed to have split again by May of that year.
Where are they now?
Rihanna and Brown haven't publicly been seen together since 2013, however this isn't the first time he's suggestively commented on her Instagram photos.
Two years ago, the singer shared a photo of herself in a feathered Carnival look, ahead of her performance at the Crop Over Festival in Barbados, to which Brown commented with an 'ogling eyes' emoji.
Neither Rihanna, nor her publicity team chose to comment on Brown's actions.
Since 2017, Rihanna has been dating Saudi Arabian billionaire, Hassan Jameel, and it's understood that Brown is currently single after ending his relationship with model Karrueche Tran in 2015. He also shares a five-year-old daughter, Royalt, with a woman named Nia Guzman.
If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.