Rihanna gives revealing interview to Oprah Winfrey

Rihanna spilled it all to Oprah Winfrey. In a just-aired interview on Oprah's Next Chapter, the singer talked openly, and emotionally, about her relationship with R&B singer Chris Brown. She says she truly believes that Brown was the love of her life, and she still loves him -- despite everything that's happened.

Watching this interview was painful. I know Rihanna's a huge celebrity, and likely used to giving high profile interviews...but this one felt really raw. What happened to her was inexcusable, and she's been through a lot. She came across as very, very real. And I'm angry all over again at Chris Brown for beating her up. Furious.No one should ever be hit -- especially not by someone they love. Rihanna is quite obviously still struggling with the aftermath of the domestic abuse inflicted by Chris Brown in 2009. Wounds like that take a long time to heal, if they ever heal at all. Hopefully telling her story so honestly to Oprah Winfrey brings RiRi some peace.

Rihanna cried openly as she explained the range of emotions she felt after Brown's brutal attack, saying, "It was a weird, confusing space to be in." She went on to say:

Because as angry as I was, as angry and hurt and betrayed, I just felt like he made that mistake because he needed help and who's going to help him? Nobody's going to say he needs help. Everybody's going to say he's a monster without looking at the source, and I was more concerned about him.

RiRi went on to explain that she was devastated in the aftermath, saying she lost her "best friend" and everything went topsy-turvy for her, quickly. I cannot imagine going through that kind of betrayal, and I certainly can't fathom having to do it so publicly.

Tonight's Rihanna interview with Oprah Winfrey was definitely an eye opener. RiRi explained that despite the rumors, she and Chris Brown are *not* involved. She did admit that she still loves Breezy deeply, adding that when she sees him, it's "awkward." She also said she forgives Brown for everything.

I sincerely hope that as the years pass, Rihanna will be able to come to terms with everything that happened and find someone who will love and respect her the way she deserves to be loved and respected. In the meantime, hopefully others who are victims of domestic abuse will find strength through her story.