TMZ posts photo of 'battered' Rihanna

The site posted the photo Thursday evening, prompting the Los Angeles Police Department to open an investigation into how the photo was acquired, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

"The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence," according to a statement from LAPD reported in the LA Times. "The Department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel complaint. A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination."

Brown was arrested for an alleged Feb. 8 incident after a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles, where he was accused of physically assaulting a woman who has not been identified by authorities. The 19-year-old Brown is being investigated for "domestic violence felony battery," and he is currently free on $50,000 bail.

Brown issued a statement on Sunday saying he was "sorry and saddened" about the incident. "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired," Brown said. "I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones, and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person."