Rihanna was spotted in Los Angeles Thursday night for the first time since her alleged assault by Chris Brown.

The photos show the singer looking solemn and wearing sunglasses while being driven in the backseat of a car. Not visible: the bruises prevalent on Rihanna’s face in the leaked photo taken shortly after she was battered the morning of the Grammys.

The “Umbrella” singer, who turns 21 years old today, is also speaking out for the first time — through a spokesperson.

The rep tells Usmagazine.com in a statement that she’s “not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown.

“She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time,” the statement continues.

Rihanna’s dad told Usmagazine.com earlier the leaked photo is “disturbing” but helps people “grasp the situation a lot better.

“It’s good and it’s bad to see the picture because there’s other people who were thinking differently, that [Rihanna's injuries] may not be that bad, just a little spank or a little thing,” Ronald Fenty says.

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Rihanna’s father tells Usmagazine.com the leaked photo, allegedly of his daughter after her Feb. 8 altercation with Chris Brown, is “terrible.”

“Yeah, I saw it,” Ronald Fenty told Us in a telephone interview Friday morning. “It’s disturbing.”

The photo shows a female, who appears to be Rihanna, with bruises and cuts on her forehead, lips and cheeks.

Fenty said people now will be able to “grasp the situation a lot better.

“It’s good and it’s bad to see the picture because there’s other people who were thinking differently, that [Rihanna's injuries] may not be that bad, just a little spank or a little thing.”

Los Angeles Police have launched an internal investigation Thursday to determine who leaked the photo.

“The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence,” the LAPD said in a statement Thursday. “A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination.”

Rihanna turns 21 today. Her close friends took out a birthday greeting in the local Barbados newspaper. “Amidst all the negativity about Ri Ri. God will continue to bless her,” they said.

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