COPS were last night investigating whether an injury that forced pop star RIHANNA to wear an eye patch was caused in a bust-up with boyfriend CHRIS BROWN.
According to police sources, the Barbados-born singer, 20, suffered a scratched cornea last year and began wearing a patch to cover her red and sensitive eye.
It is thought she then incorporated the accessory into her stage costume — including the glittering diamond-encrusted version she sported at the 2008 American Music Awards.
Umbrella star Rihanna suffered a bloody nose, swollen lip and facial bruising in an alleged bust-up with 19-year-old R ‘n’ B star Brown before last Sunday’s Grammy awards.
Los Angeles cops are now probing an alleged history of violent rows between the pair and claims of possible abuse in the past.
A police source said: “We’re investigating if her eye injury could have been caused by Brown.
“There could be an innocent explanation — but police believe Rihanna has previously refused to make a complaint against Brown. She is now being asked about her past injuries and is beginning to open up about incidents in their relationship.”
An LAPD source said: “We’re talking to her friends and management, who say she’s appeared with mysterious marks or injuries before, but always refused to explain what happened.
“There was one instance when she suddenly appeared with an eye patch, saying her cornea had been scratched.”
Brown was charged with making threats following Sunday’s alleged episode.
It is believed a domestic assault charge will be added or substituted as the main charge.
The Sun can reveal that after the weekend’s apparent bust-up, devastated Rihanna was reluctant to file a police complaint, but was persuaded to by her mum Monica.
Reports also claimed the singer was spotted with a bruise to her neck last December — but kept quiet about what caused it.
US Weekly magazine said: “Chris and Rihanna have a very volatile relationship. He can be quite wild and demanding.”
The mag said further cracks in the relationship became apparent two days BEFORE the Grammys at a party hosted by Timbaland.
An onlooker claimed Brown flew into a jealous rage — accusing Rihanna of sleeping with the hip-hop legend and producer.
Brown gave himself up to cops on Sunday and was charged before his release on $50,000 bail.
He is due in court on March 5.
His lawyer Mark Geragos did not return calls or emails last night.
Meanwhile, Brown has offically ended his relationship with Rihanna via his Facebook page.
The singer changed his relationship status to 'single' and wrote: "You'll begin to see her true colours. Believe it!".
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