Frank Ocean won't press charges against Chris Brown

The R&B singer turns the other cheek, while a source close to Brown says the alleged fight was a misunderstanding

Published February 4, 2013 2:00PM (EST)

Even though, in the words of music producer Michael Ozowuru, rapper Chris Brown allegedly "beat the living s---" out of Frank Ocean at a recording studio in L.A. last week, the R&B singer has declared that he will not be pressing charges. The announcement comes as a reversal of comments made earlier by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Ocean explained the change of heart on his Tumblr  Saturday:

AS A CHILD I THOUGHT IF SOMEONE JUMPED ME IT WOULD RESULT IN ME MURDERING OR MUTILATING A MAN. BUT AS A MAN I AM NOT A KILLER. I’M AN ARTIST AND A MODERN PERSON. I’LL CHOOSE SANITY. NO CRIMINAL CHARGES. NO CIVIL LAWSUIT. FORGIVENESS, ALBEIT DIFFICULT, IS WISDOM. PEACE, ALBEIT TRITE, IS WHAT I WANT IN MY SHORT LIFE. PEACE.

The details of the Jan. 27 altercation remain hazy, however. A source close to Brown told HollywoodLife that the whole ordeal was just a "misunderstanding," adding that Brown "was never worried and there’s always two sides to every story. Just because Frank stayed there and talked to police doesn’t mean anything. It’s all good.” Still, the claims don't bode well for Brown, who despite an ugly history of assault charges against on-and-off again girlfriend Rihanna, has continued to achieve commercial success.

Both artists have been nominated for Grammy Awards, taking place Sunday, Feb. 10.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Assault Celebrity Chris Brown Frank Ocean Los Angeles Violence