R&B singer Chris Brown is speaking out publicly for the first time about the February domestic violence incident that occurred between he and his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna.

In a video posted to his official Web site, a somber Brown speaks directly to viewers and extends an apology for the incident, saying he wanted to “publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility.”

Brown says he remained silent up until his point at the request of his lawyers.

The star opens up about being raised in a home where there was domestic violence, but adds that there is no excuse for his actions.

He also says that he had apologized personally to former girlfriend Rihanna numerous times, saying he is “truly, truly” sorry.

Brown also adds that he is seeking help to make sure “what happened” never happens again.

He ends his video message, by saying: “What I did was unacceptable 100%. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me, please.”

These days, Rihanna can’t even catch a basketball game without starting an avalanche of rumors. On Thursday, the chanteuse, 21, appeared at Game 4 of the NBA finals in Orlando, where she sat a conspicuous distance away from her ex Chris Brown, who was apparently determined to make his presence known.

The New York Daily News says Brown not only cast “sneaking glances” at his onetime squeeze, but during halftime, while Rihanna hung in a VIP area, he headed over to where her pals were sitting and shook hands with them.

Rihanna’s attorney Donald Etra was at Chris Brown’s court hearing Monday in Los Angeles — and he gave an update about how Rihanna is doing.

After the hearing, Etra said that Rihanna, 21, is spending time with her family in Barbados and is in “fine spirits.”

Etra stressed to the assembled press that the pop star will “do everything the law requires her to do,” and that “if she needs to testify she will do so.” He also pointed out regarding any possible plea deal that Brown could seek: “My client recognizes that it’s not up to her to decide what kind of deal she wants — that’s up to the district attorney to decide.”

He noted, “She believes that the quicker this case is over the more quickly she can get back to her life and her career, which is exactly what she wants to do.”

Rihanna stepped out last night for sushi with a group of friends that included Brody Jenner!

Rihanna hit Nobu in West Hollywood with some girlfriends, her stylist and Brody as well as his Bromance pals Frankie Delgado and Taylor Mosher.

“She looked happier than ever,” says a source of her sushi dinner. And why wouldn’t she be? We’re told she enjoyed several shots while eating and that the chef comped her group’s tab.

But her night out with the boys didn’t end after the meal…

Although their groups left separately, they met up again later at Les Deux nightclub and partied until 2 a.m.

Rihanna and Chris Brown have reportedly split. The pair - who were believed to have reunited following Chris’ alleged assault of the “Umbrella” singer last month - have decided to spend time apart to re-evaluate their turbulent relationship.

A source said: “Chris and Rihanna are on opposite coasts right now. They are taking a break.”

Last week, Rihanna flew to New York where she enjoyed a meal out with her mentor Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce Knowles at the Spotted Pig restaurant. She was also spotted having dinner with friends at eatery Da Silvano.

Chris remained in Los Angeles, where he has been working on his new album. A source said: “He’s just putting ideas down for some songs he wrote. He needs to feel like he’s moving forward.”