Chris Brown Neck Tattoo: Rihanna is Not the Battered Face

So Chris Brown has a new tattoo which some are saying that looks like a battered Rihanna. While the picture I saw doesn’t look like Rihanna, the woman does look strangely bruised and physically injured. Chris Brown’s rep told TMZ that, "His tattoo is a sugar skull (associated with the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead) and a MAC cosmetics design he saw. It is not Rihanna or an abused woman as erroneously reported." (A better picture of what his tattoo is supposed to look like is located here.) Brown himself has defended the tattoo as "art."

Despite Brown taking part in working with domestic violence intervention and prevention organizations after abusing Rihanna in his car, his behavior has been strange and erratic. Those around him should not only take note of this behavior but stay away from it — but many have not, including Rihanna.

While it’s obviously hard to say for sure (where there’s smoke there’s fire), they have been seemingly reconciling with each other. Other stars were seen hanging out with Brown just weeks after the original Rihanna incident.

Over the years, criticism has been leveled at both stars. Abuse organizations and spokespeople have criticized Rihanna for sticking up for Chris Brown, and saying things like, “I still love him,” in an interview with Oprah. They claim that her statements could send mixed messages to others in similar violent and manipulative relationships. Regardless of how you feel about the situation, numerous high-profile celebrities are sticking up for Brown and his strange behavior. Even Rihanna does not seem to be taking a strong enough stand against his violence.

All of this shows that as a culture we are not only condoning Brown's behavior, but encouraging it.

First and foremost, Brown needs someone in his life who can provide clear, and steady direction — a mentor who can put him back on track, and direct him towards resources that will help the star get over whatever demons he is fighting so hard. Until then, we can look forward to more head-shaking “WTF?!” moments like this.