Rihanna says she's strong after leaked photo shows bruised face

Rihanna is finally speaking out after being attacked, allegedly by fellow singer-boyfriend Chris Brown, telling fans she is strong and doing well.

A statement released by her representatives Friday says she won't comment on "the incident involving Chris Brown" at the request of authorities.

But it says she's grateful for fan support. It also says she's doing well despite going through"a difficult time."

The statementwas releasedhours after the gossip website TMZ released a photo showing what it says is Rihanna's battered face.

The photo shows a woman with her eyes closed,bruises over her eyes, swollen lips and lacerations.

Brown, 19,is being investigated for attacking a woman hours before the Grammy Awards earlier this month.

Both he and Rihanna missed the Grammy ceremony.

Los Angeles police are reportedly investigating how the photo came to be released.

Rihanna celebrated her 21st birthday on Friday.