(CNN) -- Los Angeles police have launched an internal investigation to determine who leaked a picture of a bruised and battered Rihanna to the media.

The close-up photo of the R&B singer -- with contusions on her forehead and below her eyes, and cuts on her lip -- was published on the entertainment Web site TMZ on Thursday.

Rihanna, 21, was allegedly attacked by her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, on a Los Angeles street before the two were to perform at the Grammy Awards on February 8.

"The unauthorized release of a domestic violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation," an L.A. police spokesman said in a statement. "The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence. A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination."

The chief investigator in the case had told CNN earlier that authorities had tried to guard against leaks. Detective Deshon Andrews said he had kept the case file closely guarded and that no copies had been made of the original photos and documents.

Brown was arrested on February 8 in connection with the case and and booked on suspicion of making criminal threats.

Authorities are trying to determine whether Brown should face domestic violence-related charges.

Brown apologized for the incident this week.

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired," the 19-year-old said in a statement released by his spokesman. "I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person."



http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/20/rihanna.photo/index.html?iref=mpstoryview



First of all, I wonder how the heck TMZ.com gets these types of exclusives!  This is borderline invasion of privacy.  But whoever leaked this photo has to be working with the LAPD.  I don't expect it to stay online long, because LAPD is definitely conducting an investigation.  I tried to put the photo up, but TMZ.com has it copyrighted so you'll have to log on to their website (or another one because I'm sure they're not the only ones that have it) to view it.  You can't miss it because it is HUGE!  Everyone has been talking about it all morning on the radio, and I'ma be honest. I don't think it's looking too good for CB.  The DA is also trying to get this thing turned into an attempted murder charge. I also read that the reason CB is just now speaking out is because no lawyers wanted to take his case.  But whoever it is that took his case, doesn't have a good reputation.  Man, this is getting wilder by the second. I hope she's doing better; him too.