Chris Brown heading to rehab after assault charge

Singer Chris Brown is heading to rehab. Photo / AP

Troubled singer Chris Brown is heading to rehab.

A representative for the R&B star announced Tuesday that Brown has decided to go to rehab a day after he was released from jail following his arrest for allegedly punching another man in Washington, DC.

Brown remains on probation after his 2009 attack on then-girlfriend Rihanna and could face jail time as a result of the arrest.

"Chris Brown has elected to enter a rehab facility," a statement said. "His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behaviour, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point".

Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, said the singer checked in at an unspecified facility to be treated for anger issues.

"He just decided he wanted to take some time off and do some introspection," Geragos said.

Brown and his body guard were arrested early Sunday morning after an altercation at The W Hotel in Washington. Brown was initially charged with felony assault after a man said Brown broke his nose with a punch when he tried to get a picture with the singer.

The charge was reduced to a misdemeanour and he was released from jail.

Though his troubles in Washington are no longer as serious as first thought, the arrest could still have ramifications for the 24-year-old Grammy Award winner.

Brown was placed on four years of probation after pleading guilty to assaulting Rihanna in California. He was required to take domestic violence courses and perform 1400 hours of community service.

Brown's probation was briefly revoked this summer after a hit-and-run incident and a judge ordered him to perform an additional 1000 hours of community service because there were questions about whether he actually completed his initial penalty.

Geragos has said the singer will be exonerated. He said Brown's decision to enter rehab is not an acknowledgement of wrongdoing in the Washington case.

The singer faces up to four years in prison should a judge decide to revoke his probation again.

- AP