Celebrity Mound

Chris Brown was a no-show at Sunday night’s BET Awards because producers pulled his performance at the last minute.
According to several insiders, Brown’s appearance was considered risky business on a night honoring Michael Jackson. The “No Air” singer is facing negative publicity after pleading guilty to the February assault of his ex-girlfriend Rihanna.

One source says Brown’s absence came at the insistence of the Rev. Al Sharpton. “Al made such a fuss to the BET executives that they pulled Chris,” says our insider, who adds that Jay-Z also had a hand in the decision. “Jay is a big name in the BET community, and he was very vocal about his displeasure with Chris attending the ceremony. He didn’t want Chris anywhere near the awards so close to the court’s ruling.”

Brown isn’t taking the public dis on the chin, either. “He’s furious,” a pal of the singer tells us. “BET asked him to perform and waited until the last minute to tell him it was off. He’s pretty shocked and outraged right now.”

Both BET publicists and Brown’s camp say the singer was never confirmed for the show.

Meanwhile, Rihanna’s absence from the event was just as noticeable as Brown’s. But while her ex fumed, the “Umbrella” singer was busy hanging out with her crush, Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis, in NYC. Says a rep for the beauty, “Rihanna was never meant to attend [the BET awards].”

Also expected at the ceremony were Usher and Justin Timberlake; both bowed out of the event but agreed to take part in a later tribute to Jackson on BET.

Usher, who attended fashion shows in Paris over the weekend, sent his regrets in a prepared statement. Timberlake was also out of the country, hitting up both Wimbledon and the Hard Rock Calling concert in London.

But perhaps JT should have made the ceremony at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium, because in his absence, he was the recipient of a roast by Jeremy Piven. “Justin should be here,” the “Entourage” actor joked. “If not for Michael Jackson, [Justin] would be selling curly fries in the Valley.”

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Chris Brown is under court orders not to go within 50 yards of Rihanna, but both he and his ex want to get rid of the strict no-contact clause.

“They think it’s unnecessary and ridiculous,” says a mutual pal of the protection order handed down at Tuesday’s criminal proceeding, during which Brown pled guilty to one count of felony assault in the February attack that left Rihanna battered and bruised. “After [the proceeding], Ri and Chris talked on the phone for almost an hour and really worked at becoming friends. They’re solid now.”

Solid, but still unable to speak to one another in public. At the very least, they’ll be able to get a little closer to one another at this Sunday’s BET Awards in L.A., which both stars are set to attend. The order of protection gives Brown a little leeway at music-industry events, stipulating that he cannot come within 10 yards of the Bajan beauty.

But as much as Rihanna and Chris may want to bury the hatchet, their friend is quick to dismiss a renewed romance. “That’s 100% done,” says the pal. “They aren’t looking to hook back up again. They’re both moving on and going their separate ways.”
Brown is currently in the studio. The “No Air” crooner is working on his comeback album, which will reportedly feature duets with Mary J. Blige and Keri Hilson. We hear the disk will also include a song called “Not My Fault,” about a female “singer” who got “caught up.” We wonder who that could be.

Rihanna is also back to work on new music, but seems to be finding more time for play than her ex. While Brown focuses on his career and repairing his image, Rihanna has recently attended a handful of premieres like “Year One,” enjoyed play dates with pals Aubrey (Drake) Graham, LeBron James and Kanye West, and gone clubbing at Jay-Z’s 40/40.

In addition, CoverGirl seems to have made peace with Rihanna and is releasing a three-month-old ad campaign featuring the singer as its spokeswoman. Being back in the spotlight and more famous than ever? Now that’s beautiful.

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