Chris Brown video apology for Rihanna assault (+ Transcript)

Chris Brown finally officially speaks on (well, vaguely refers to) Rihannagate:

Full transcript after the jump.

“Hi, I’m Chris Brown.

“Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out even though ever since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility. Although I will do some interviews and answer some questions in the future, I thought it was time that you heard directly from me: I am sorry.

“I have tried to live my life in a way which can make those around me proud of me – and until recently, I think I was doing a pretty good job. I wish I had the chance to live those few moments again but unfortunately I can’t. I cannot go into what happened and most importantly I’m not going to sit here and make any excuses.

“I take great pride in me being able to exercise self control and what I did was inexcusable. I am very sad and very ashamed of what I have done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that.

“I have told Rihanna countless times and I’m telling you today that I am truly, truly sorry that I wasn’t able to handle the situation both differently and better. I recognise that I truly have been blessed; I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, wonderful friends and fans.

“God has been generous and given me the ability which as brought me fame and fortune. I’ve done a lot of soul searching and over the past several months I have talked with my minister and my mother and I have spent a lot of time trying to understand what happened and why.

“I have let a lot of people down and I realise that and no-one is more disappointed in me than I am.

“As many of you know, I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence. I saw first hand what uncontrolled rage could do. I have sought and I’ll continually seek help to ensure that what occurred in February can never happen again. And as I sit here today I can tell you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that it never happens again – and I promise that.

“What I did was unacceptable. 100%. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me. Please.

“I hope that others learn from my mistake. I intend to live my life so that I am truly worthy of the term ‘role model.’

“Thank you.”