Rihanna: 'domestic violence can happen to anyone'

Rihanna has warned domestic violence can "happen to anyone" in her first interview since she was beaten at the hands of ex boyfriend Chris Brown in February (09).

The Umbrella hitmaker has finally broken her silence over the vicious bust-up, which left her bloodied and bruised and her former lover serving five years probation for assault.

In the first of two interviews granted to American networks, Rihanna explains to broadcaster Diane Sawyer that all women run the risk of becoming victims to domestic abuse.

She explains, "This happened to me... It can happen to anyone."

And Rihanna admits the attack was particularly hard to accept - because Brown was her first real love.

She adds, "He was definitely my first big love."

The candid interview will be aired on Good Morning America in the U.S. on Thursday (05Nov09), with another interview scheduled with news show 20/20 for Friday (06Nov09).