Rihanna Subpoenaed for Chris Brown Hearing

Posted: Thursday – June 11, 2009 @ 12:48 PM

R&B/pop singer Rihanna has been subpoenaed to testify in the assault case against fellow vocalist Chris Brown.

According to Rihanna’s lawyer Donald Etra, his client was served in person on Tuesday (June 9) in Los Angeles with the order to appear in Superior Court for Brown’s hearing on June 22.

“Rihanna was served at my office by L.A. DA investigators,” Etra told People magazine. “If the preliminary hearing indeed goes forward, she is now legally required to be there, she will be there, and will answer all questions truthfully.”

The upcoming hearing will be an important chapter in the continuing saga surrounding Brown’s alleged assault on Rihanna as it will determine if enough evidence is present to bring the case to trial.

The 20-year-old crooner, who is accused of beating the songbird in February, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts following the alleged incident.

With her appearance in court, Rihanna will be open to cross examination by Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos.

A plea deal could end the case at anytime, making the hearing unnecessary, People reports.

News of Rihanna’s subpoena comes amid word that Geragos’ bid to delay the preliminary hearing was rejected.

Earlier this month, the attorney filed an appeal to delay the hearing.

Court records reveal the appeal was rejected on Tuesday, with no reason given.

In addition, Geragos’ bid to gain access to police records he deemed crucial to the hearing was separately rejected.

In his appeal, Geragos noted that a state Supreme Court case currently under consideration could affect Brown’s access to the records.

Based on this, the attorney sought to have the hearing delayed.