Chris Brown: Villian or Victim?

It is easy in Hollywood to take sides. The 'facts' are often blow out of proportion, or are just plain wrong. People with no involvement whatsoever in the matter (T.I., Terrence Howard, Kanye West) release statements that further muddy the waters. And the individual who is at the center of the scandal gets irreparable damage done to their image over a matter that may just be a simple misunderstanding.
I'm not defending Chris Brown. I don't know the circumstances of his recent predicament well enough to make a statement either against him or in his defense. Sadly other news organizations don't feel the same way. Chris' alleged abuse of girlfriend Rihanna has escalated into a media frenzie that rivals the Michael Phelps pot picture and the A-Rod steroid scandal.
Lets say this is true. Let's say that Brown and Rihanna got in a heated argument and he hit her. I'm certainly not condoning that type of behavior, but should one mistake (especially if Rihanna did not suffer any physical harm from the incident) cost Brown his career?
Brown's image has been built around a squeaky clean, and wholesome core. Take that away and not only will Brown lose lucrative marketing deals (Wrigleys and Milk have already pulled Brown spots) he'll lose a large chunk of the fan base that has propelled him to stardom.
Also, why is everyone so quick to jump on Rihanna's bandwagon. Is it possible that she got pissed and allowed the situation to get out of hand. Maybe she falsified her story. Automatically assuming her innocance could be a serious flaw.

Just Stand Up

In a world that seems inundated with negative press regarding the behavior of celebrities, it is always refreshing to hear stories of stars doing good. Most recently the stars have aligned to "Stand Up to Cancer". Some of music's hottest talent-Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow( and they're just four of TEN)-teamed up to create a song that is being sold entirely to benefit cancer prevention. "Just Stand Up" may not be the best single you've heard all year, but this song's hook isn't in its chorus.
It's impressive when celebrity's put their egos aside to share the stage, it's even more impressive when they put their talent together to benefit a greater cause. So go on iTunes and buy the single. You could download it, but this is a 99 cents well worth spending.