Editor: 'Rihanna photo was obtained legally'

The man responsible for publishing a photograph that appears to show a bloodied and bruised Rihanna has defended his decision.

Speaking to Fox News, TMZ's executive producer Harvey Levin denied reports that the website had obtained the image illegally.

"We believed it was not an LAPD picture and we are still not convinced it is," he explained. "The police department is sounding like they say it is, but they haven't said that unequivocally, either."

Last week, the LAPD refused to identify Rihanna as the woman in the photograph but admitted that they had launched an internal investigation to discover how the image reached the public domain.

Rihanna was reportedly forced to seek medical treatment after suffering "horrific injuries" following an alleged altercation with boyfriend Chris Brown.

Discussing the next stage in the investigation, Levin said: "There are a lot of rumours going around, and I don't really put a lot of credence in any of them, which is why we haven't put any of that stuff up on the site because I don't think it's concrete enough.

"But I think the fact is, with those pictures... I don't think the DA is going to be stymied if she doesn't cooperate."

The 'Disturbia' singer recently thanked fans for their support, insisting that she was "remaining strong" and "doing well".