Rihanna: It can happen to anybody

Rihanna has said she regrets returning to ex-boyfriend Chris Brown after he beat her.

The star appeared on Good Morning America to give her first TV interview since Brown assaulted her in February, warning other women struggling with domestic violence to not let themselves be blinded by love.

The 21-year-old, who is no longer with Brown, said: "It's completely normal to go back, you start lying to yourself - I'll say that to any young girl who is going through domestic violence, 'Don't react off of love'."

Brown, 20, was arrested on February 8, hours after he was accused of beating Rihanna after the couple attended a pre-Grammy Awards party. He later pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to five years probation and community labour. A judge ordered Brown and Rihanna to stay away from each other.

In the interview, Rihanna said she was ashamed to return to Brown after the attack.

"That's embarrassing - that's the type of person I fell in love with. So far in love, so unconditional, that I went back," she said. "That's not what I want to teach people."

Rihanna said she soon realised that, as a role model to young women, her returning to Brown sent the wrong message.

"When I realised that my selfish decision for love could result in some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part. I could not be held responsible for telling them, 'Go back'."

The Umbrella singer also said: "I am strong. This happened to me. I didn't cause this. I didn't do it. This can happen to me and it can happen to anybody."

Brown has apologised to fans and has said he has repeatedly apologised to Rihanna for the attack.