Alcohol abuse allegations: Chris Brown 'depressed'

Apr 8, 2009, 9:05 GMT

A source told gossip website X17Online: "Chris is a mess. He lost a lot of weight, about 15 lbs. I do know that Chris is also in a depression and is drinking a lot. He almost got his butt kicked about a week ago." EPA/BOB CHAMBERLIN

Chris Brown is "a mess" and has turned to alcohol.

The 19-year-old singer - who has pleaded not guilty to felony assault and making criminal threats in relation to his alleged attack on Rihanna - is believed to be struggling to cope with the fallout from his court case.

A source told gossip website X17Online: "Chris is a mess. He lost a lot of weight, about 15 lbs. I do know that Chris is also in a depression and is drinking a lot. He almost got his butt kicked about a week ago."

While Chris is becoming increasingly reclusive, Rihanna, 21, is determined to put the incident behind her and move on with her life.

Although the pair briefly reunited after the incident, they are now said to be spending time apart to contemplate the future of their relationship.

The source explained: "Rihanna is doing great. She is trying to put Chris on the back burner. They still have joint business assets so they are still keeping in touch indirectly. She is focusing on her new album. She has a lot of creative control so she is doing it her way. This is the first time she has been able to do that."

Chris is accused of punching, biting and choking Rihanna until she was unconscious during an altercation in his rented silver Lamborghini on February 8.

If convicted he faces over four years in prison, although he is expected to broker a plea bargain for lesser charges which would see him gain a reduced jail sentence or probation.