Rep: Rihanna is 'strong' and 'doing well'

Rihanna has insisted that she is "strong" and "doing well" in her first public statement since being allegedly assaulted by Chris Brown.

The 21-year-old singer broke her silence after a graphic photograph which appeared to show her bruised face was leaked to the press.

A statement released by the star's representative read: "At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown.

"She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

Brown was arrested on suspicion of assaulting Rihanna in the early hours of February 8. The couple had attended a pre-Grammys party together earlier that night.

Rihanna reportedly decided to end her relationship with Brown last weekend.