Tyrese Weighs In on Chris Brown Assault

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson is providing a new perspective on Chris Brown's recent legal issues. Gibson, who is friends with the 19-year-old singer, says that despite his public persona he is trying to get over the alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna.

"Although he appears to be really strong through all of this, it's really taking a toll on his spirit," Gibson said in an interview. "People like me and Puff, we're just trying to show him love and keep his spirits up while he's going through all of the heat, and there are a lot people doing the same for Rihanna." Gibson went on to say that Brown has been having trouble separating work from his personal life. "It's really hard for him to focus right now on his music, even though he really wants to."

Gibson has also had his share of public relationship problems. His ex-wife of 10-months, Norma Mitchell, accused Gibson of being a deadbeat dad and petitioned his original divorce declaration. She stated that the actor/singer made upwards of $800,000 dollars during their marriage, and she felt it "unreasonable" that she receive no financial support despite their short marriage. She was later awarded $65,000, plus $2,730 for rent and $800 for her monthly car payment. Gibson will also pay over $6,000 a month in child support for the couple's infant daughter until she is 18. Prior to their courtship, Gibson was brought in for questioning after allegedly hitting Mitchell while she was pregnant with their daughter.

"At the end of the day, I'm not trying to justify it because wrong is wrong, but unfortunately, us as entertainers, we have to grow up on stage with a lot of people looking at us. And a lot of people forget that he's 19, she's only 21," Gibson finished.

Brown made headlines on February 8 after an alleged fight with Rihanna left the pop star bloodied and bruised. According to reports, Brown punched her several time while driving his rented Lamborghini in Hancock Park, a suburb of Los Angeles. The two have since become the center of media frenzy and reconciled shortly after their fight. While Rihanna initially went into hiding, both she and Brown re-emerged in Miami and Los Angeles, spending time together leading up to Brown's hearing last month.

The Virginia native was charged with two felonies including making criminal threats and assault. Earlier today his lawyer Marc Geragos, attended a closed hearing on Brown's behalf. Although public information regarding the hearing has not been released, Brown was not required to attend even though it is about the case.

TMZ reported that the hearing is regarding whether or not Rihanna will testify against Brown. Lawyers for both sides have stated that the 21-year-old should not be called to the stand because her privacy as a victim has been jeopardized due to the popularity of the case.