Rihanna & Chris Brown Back Together? Brown Admits 'Friendship' With Rihanna, Says Wants To Remain Single

Chris Brown broke up with his girlfriend Karrueche Tran, but he admitted it was only because that he would rather remain single and not cause Tran stress from his 'friendship' with Rihanna.

For months, Brown, 23, and Rihanna have been spotted together and this past week, they were even rumored to have a makeout session in a New York City club.

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But only on Oct. 4, did the "Don't Wake Me Up" singer put the speculations to rest.

"I have decided to be single to focus on my career," Brown said in a statement via his publicist. "I love Karrueche very much, but I don't want to see her hurt over my friendship with Rihanna. I'd rather be single, allowing us to both be happy in our lives."

However, Brown only admitted to renewing his "friendship" with Rihanna and nothing more, the same woman he was convicted of beating in February 2009.

Brown still has two years of probation to serve for his felony assault conviction, although CNN reported that the judge lifted the "stay away" order last year. He started dating Tran, 24, a year after he was arrested.

On Wednesday, only a day before Brown's statement was released to the public, Tran tweeted "Bye baby," a message that many can assume was directed at Brown.

Though they had a physically rough past, many were sure that Rihanna and Brown would reconcile.They were seen acting friendly at this year's MTV Video Music Awards - Rihanna gave Brown a kiss on the cheek and a hug when he went up to receive his award and he did the same when she won hers.

In an Oprah Winfrey interview in August, the "We Found Love" singer admitted that she will always have feelings for Brown.

"We have maintained a very close friendship ever since the restraining order was dropped. We built a trust again and that's it. We love each other and we probably always will," she added. "I have forgiven him. It took me a long time. I was angry for a long time. I truly love him."