Rihanna has finally made a statement to the public since her alleged altercation with boyfriend, Chris Brown, MTV news reports.

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," reads a statement from her representatives. "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."

This statement was a response to the posted photo of Rihanna on TMZ.com. The timing of the photograph was unfortunate, as it was posted on Thursday, and Friday is Rihanna’s 21st birthday. The infamous photograph pictured the singer from Barbados crying, and apparently severely beaten up. The photo, evidently leaked by a source within the Los Angeles Police Department, prompted a international investigation by the LAPD.

According to mtvnews.com, Rihanna’s father spoke with media outlets as well. He referred to the photo leak on Friday as “sloppy work on [the LAPD’s] part.”

Another photograph published is of the singer in a car in Los Angeles on Thursday night, reportedly on her way to an airport. This picture was posted on People.com and OK! magazine’s Web site.