Published:February 16th, 2009 16:56 EST

Chris Brown's Fake Apology For Beating Rihanna

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. 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,"

Pop star Chris Brown

A week after brutally beating his girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown issued this statement via a representative.

My reaction: Too little, too late.

Chris Brown should have manned up to his brutal crime, and immediately apologized to Rihanna and to his many young fans who consider him a role model.

Brown isn`t a gangsta rap artist who glorifies violence, demeans women and vilifies homosexuals. A rapper`s street cred would have been enhanced by committing a violent crime. But Brown`s beat-down of his girlfriend has tarnished his clean-cut image, and some parents may no longer buy his CDs for their young children.

The teenybopper sensation should have apologized to the public in person, instead of issuing a press release. An apology issued via a written statement smacks of cowardice and insincerity.

God is the first refuge of a scoundrel, Brown is trying to shield himself from criticism by playing the God card. Brown is hoping his fans won`t be too rough on him because he`s turning to God and the help of his pastor. I don`t care if he has a private meeting with the Pope, he`s still a coward for beating up his girlfriend and for failing to make a public apology.